A blocked toilet can sometimes clear itself if the blockage is mostly toilet paper and waste, as these can soften in water over time. Blockages caused by wipes, sanitary products, objects or a problem further along the drain are unlikely to clear on their own.
Even when a blockage seems to clear, it may only have moved further along the pipe. Knowing what usually causes the blockage can help you decide whether to wait or ask for help.
When Waiting May Help
If the toilet has been blocked by too much toilet paper, leaving it for a while may allow the paper to break down. The water level may then slowly drop, and the toilet may flush normally again.
It can help to wait a while and then check whether the water level has dropped before trying a single flush. If the level is still high, it is best not to flush.
While you wait, do not keep flushing. Each flush adds more water to a pan that cannot empty, which could make it overflow.
When It Is Unlikely to Clear
Wet wipes, kitchen roll, nappies and sanitary products are made to hold together, so they do not break down like toilet paper. Small objects, such as toys or toiletries, will not clear either. If you know something like this has been flushed, waiting is unlikely to help.
If other fixtures are also slow or gurgling, or water rises in a bath or shower tray when the toilet is used, the problem may be in the soil pipe or drain. Waiting is unlikely to help in this case, and using more water may make things worse.
What to Avoid While It Is Blocked
Avoid flushing repeatedly, pouring strong drain chemicals into the pan or using wire or other objects that could scratch or crack the toilet. Never mix different cleaning or drain products, as some combinations can give off harmful fumes.
If wastewater spills, avoid direct contact, keep children and pets away and wash your hands thoroughly afterwards. If you have only one toilet in the property, the problem may need prompt attention.
If the Toilet Seems to Clear, Then Blocks Again
Keep an eye on how the toilet behaves over the next few days. If it drains more slowly than normal, the blockage may not have fully cleared.
A toilet that clears slowly and then blocks again soon after may have a partial restriction that has not gone away. Repeat blockages are worth looking into, as the cause may be what is being flushed, a weak flush or something further along the drain.
Our blocked toilet page explains how blocked toilets are assessed and when the problem may be further along.
If your toilet is still blocked or keeps blocking at your Poole property, a plumber can look at the cause and explain the options.