Clear a blocked toilet yourself using a toilet auger, from setup to a hygienic clean-up.
TA-01Check how bad the blockage isLook in the pan before you do anything. If it's close to the rim, don't flush again — it will overflow. If the water is already high, wait for it to drop a little or scoop some out with a jug into a bucket first.
TA-02Protect the floor and yourselfLay old towels or a dust sheet around the base of the toilet — this job can splash. Put on rubber gloves and, if you're worried about splashback, eye protection too. Keep a separate towel just for wiping the auger handle.
TA-03Get the right tool for the jobUse a toilet auger (also called a closet auger), not a drain snake or a plunger with a metal cable — a plain snake can scratch the porcelain. It has a protective rubber or plastic sleeve at the bend that sits in the pan and stops that happening.
TA-04Feed the auger into the bowlPull the cable back into the auger's tube fully, then rest the sleeve in the bottom of the pan pointing into the trap. Slowly wind the handle clockwise — this feeds the cable round the bend and down into the drain. Go gently; don't force it.
TA-05Work the blockageWhen you feel resistance, you've likely reached the blockage. Keep turning the handle in short bursts while pushing gently — this either breaks the blockage up or hooks it so you can pull it back. If it suddenly moves freely, the blockage has probably cleared.
TA-06Withdraw the auger carefullyWind the cable back out slowly, the same way it went in. If you've hooked something solid, expect it to come out with the cable — have a plastic bag ready to catch it straight away rather than putting it down anywhere.
TA-07Test with a flushFlush once and watch the water level. If it drains normally, you're done. If it's still slow or rises again, repeat steps TA-04 to TA-06 — most blockages need two or three passes.
TA-08Clean the auger and the toiletRinse the auger cable and sleeve under a hot tap outside if you can, or in a bucket you'll then empty down an outside drain — not the sink. Wipe it down with disinfectant before you put it away. Disinfect the toilet handle, seat and any splashed surfaces.
TA-09Wash up and tidy awayTake off your gloves and wash your hands thoroughly with soap and hot water, even though you wore gloves. Bag up any waste and towels that had contact with the blockage and put them straight in the outside bin. Store the auger somewhere dry.
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