Blocked toilet

[Meckity1]

I have a blocked toilet. I tried the washing up liquid trick and it turned a block toilet into a very slowly draining toilet which didn't get rid of 'logs'. I've just dumped in a load of white vinegar, more in hope than anything else, but would be grateful for any suggestions.

Don't want to scoop stuff out until after washing machine repair man has been (or, if possible, at all), but any kind suggestions very welcome.

Thank you.

@Howyoualldoworkme I can work that. Still waiting for washing machine repair guy...

I have a friend who lived in an old house. After things clogged up the plumber told her to use Tesco Value toilet paper because it disintegrates so easily.

Those super posh toilet rolls always end up costing a fortune since they are so thick you get hardly any sheets per roll.

@Gingerkittykat I know! I've always liked the cheaper stuff, but the men don't seem to wad it up. I may have to make a stronger case for the thinner stuff.

DH brought home a plunger, which wasn't very good and didn't have a good seal. Toilet is draining but slowly and I've not tested with solids. I'm going to have to try the mop.

Thanks for the help.

Furtling, what a good word totally unhelpful

We got a toilet plunger called the Luigi when we had a blocked loo and a normal plunger wasn’t cutting it. Did the job pretty quickly.

I've seen the cling film trick online. You cover the opening of the loo in the few layers of cling film and put the seat down to help hold it in place, flush the loo and the cling film will swell upwards with air like a bubble, you then press the bubble up and down to force air down the pipes just like a plunger.

mop and plastic bag. Google it - works brilliantly!

Is the loo in a bathroom?
If so try filling the bath and sink with water then letting them out at the same time. Sometimes, if they drain to the same point it creates a vacuum.
Also, if it's in a bathroom try using your shower as a pressure hose (provided it will reach).

Is the washing machine draining?

@Baboutheocelot One Luigi toilet plunger ordered from amazon prime and due here tomorrow!

@fishybits it's very descriptive

@MauisHouseOnMaui I'm scared to try that in case it spurts everywhere.

@AnnaNimmity I think I've got the wrong kind of mop, but I can bundle some stuff up in a bag and tie it to a pole. I may do that.

@MrsMoastyToasty I may try the trick with the bath and sink. The washer is fine. It needed a new motherboard after the last one fried in a powersurge that also took out a computer and a dehumidifier and blew all the lights. As far as I can tell, everything is draining normally8.

Can I ask, is there a separate drain for toilets before it enters a main sewer. Everything else is draining as usual, but there have been issues in the past with other houses.

Current state of play - water is draining slowly but solids are stuck. I'm going to have a go with the above suggestions, but it's looking like a plumber's job.

Drainage is usually foul (sinks, toilets, washing machine and dishwasher) and surface (anything that takes rainwater). Older homes may have combined systems.
Ask your neighbours if theirs are blocking up. If they are it could be a sign that the public sewer is blocked and it's a job for the water and sewerage company.

@MrsMoastyToasty Thanks, that's helpful. I suppose if everything else is draining then it's just the loo.

What a pain in the neck.

Old fashioned mop head with a plastic bag secured with an elastic band around it. Works wonders.

@Violetroselily I haven't got that sort of mop, but I may try getting a bundle of something in a plastic bag and tying it to a stick. I'm a bit worried about losing the bundle down the pipe if I don't get it tied on well enough or the bag splits. That really would finish it off.

We had a blockage and called the plumber, he said pour boiling water down and call him back if he didn't work.
We never needed to call him back!

May be worth checking house insurance as they often have an emergency line which covers small things and does not affect no claims.

Our toilets in work block a lot, and I'm getting rather adept at unblocking them. First try is with toilet brush in doubles up black bag. Plunge lots. This usually gets things moving. A mop works in the black bag too, usually better, but you don't have one. For more persistent blockages I used washing up liquid and boiling water and leave for 20 minutes. Then plunge again. I have also in desperation clad my arm in black bags and physically moved blockages along the u bend. I swear nothing phases me any more.

@MeYouWye Boiling water has had no effect. I may try it with washing up liquid

@Starisnotanumber That's one of the irritating things. I am fairly sure we don't have that cover, but I have tried getting cover in the past from places like Yorkshire Water and they won't touch me because we have a shared water supply. I'll double check.

@mimiasovitch Boiling water on its own hasn't done much, but I'll try with the washing up and boiling water.

Thanks for all the suggestions. I feel supported in a shitty situation. Literally.

Seriously, don't pour boiling water down the bog man. If you crack the toilet you'll know about it.

Look just get the rubber gloves out and fish out what you can into a bag.

I didn't mean with a separate drainage insurance it would be under your house insurance it's called emergency assistance, some bank accounts have similar if you have a premium account.

@gamerchick I've already had a rummage with rubber gloves, and there's nothing within reach. I think the blockage is further down :( Good point about it cracking.

@Starisnotanumber I'll dig out the policy and have a look over. Thanks for the heads up.

I was in your position 2 days ago. After getting the adult DS to clear solids 😷 , I eventually succeeded with a combo of washing up liquid and wire coat hanger which allowed a slow drain. Bought luigi from Amazon and that finished the job the following day. Fingers crossed this works. I like to think I am teaching life lessons to my DS 🙄😆!

IT IS NOW CLEAR!!!

Poured half a bottle of Presto (Amazon own brand washing up liquid) down overnight. Was still draining slow and ignoring solids before school run. Now it's fine. The Luigi hasn't come yet, but I can hold it in reserve if this happens again.

Thank you for all the suggestions and the support. I really appreciated the help I got on here. Thanks.

*Presto is amazing unless the bottle caps come off in transit and then it is a mare trying to get bottles coated with washing up liquid out of a box. I've also just read the list of chemicals on the side and may be switching to Ecover, apart from any toilet incidents.