A blocked toilet is one of the most common and urgent plumbing issues households face. When a toilet blocks, waste water cannot pass through the soil pipe into the main drainage system, causing the bowl to fill and potentially overflow. Our engineers carry specialist toilet augers, plungers rated for high-pressure use, and electromechanical drain snakes designed specifically for the tight bends found in toilet waste pipes. Most domestic toilet blockages are caused by excess toilet paper, sanitary products, wet wipes, or children's toys that have been flushed accidentally. In some cases the blockage sits further downstream in the soil stack or underground drainage rather than in the toilet itself. We diagnose the exact location before selecting the right clearance method, ensuring the problem is resolved first time. Expect us to protect your bathroom floor, work cleanly, and leave the area tidy once the blockage is cleared. A typical toilet unblocking visit takes between 30 minutes and two hours depending on the severity and location of the obstruction.
We inspect the toilet pan, check nearby fixtures for related symptoms, and determine whether the blockage is local to the toilet or further downstream in shared drainage.
Using specialist tools and, where needed, a CCTV drain camera, we pinpoint the exact position and nature of the obstruction within the waste pipe.
We clear the blockage using the appropriate method — a high-grade plunger for soft obstructions, a toilet auger for material caught in the pan trap, or a drain snake for blockages further along the pipe.
We flush the toilet multiple times to confirm full flow is restored, check connected fixtures, and leave the bathroom clean and dry.
Most blocked toilet callouts in the Manchester area are resolved for between £80 and £150 depending on the severity and location of the blockage. There is no call-out fee — you only pay for completed work. We provide a fixed price before starting so there are no surprises. Complex blockages requiring camera investigation may cost more.
A standard plunger may clear simple blockages caused by excess toilet paper. However, if the water level is high or the blockage returns after plunging, professional equipment is needed. Avoid using chemical drain cleaners in toilets as they can damage seals and are rarely effective on solid obstructions.
Recurring toilet blockages usually indicate a partial obstruction further downstream — often tree root ingress, a displaced pipe joint, or accumulated scale in older pipework. A CCTV drain survey can identify the root cause so it can be fixed permanently rather than just cleared each time.
Most toilet blockages are cleared within 30 minutes to one hour. If the obstruction is located further along the drainage system or requires camera investigation, the visit may take up to two hours. We always advise an estimated timeframe on arrival.