How much does it cost to unblock a toilet?

Unblocking a toilet typically costs £60 to £150, depending on the severity and location of the blockage. Simple blockages in the toilet bowl or U-bend are quicker and cheaper to clear. Blockages further down the waste pipe or in the main drain take longer and cost more. We quote fixed prices before we start, so there are no surprises.

What causes a toilet to block?

The most common cause is flushing things that don't break down like toilet paper. Wet wipes - even "flushable" ones - are responsible for over 90% of UK sewer blockages because they don't disintegrate in water. Other common causes include sanitary products, cotton buds, dental floss, nappies, and using too much toilet paper at once.

Can I unblock a toilet myself?

You can try. A proper toilet plunger (one with a flange that fits into the outlet) often works for minor blockages. Put the plunger over the outlet, make sure there's enough water to cover it, and push down firmly then pull back sharply. Repeat several times. If that doesn't work after a few attempts, the blockage is probably too stubborn or too deep for DIY methods.

Why does my toilet keep blocking?

Recurring blockages usually mean there's a build-up in the waste pipe that isn't being fully cleared, or there's an underlying problem. Partial blockages, limescale build-up in hard water areas, tree roots growing into pipes, or damaged and misaligned pipework can all cause repeated issues. A CCTV drain survey can find the real cause.

Are "flushable" wipes really flushable?

No. Despite the labelling, flushable wipes don't break down like toilet paper. Most contain plastic fibres that hold their shape in water. Water UK found that no flushable wipes sold in the UK have passed their rigorous testing standards. The safest approach is to bin all wipes, regardless of what the packaging says.

What should I do if my toilet is overflowing?

Don't flush again - this will make it worse. If water is rising towards the rim, try to turn off the water supply to the toilet (there's usually a valve behind or beside it). If you can't find the valve, lift the cistern lid and push down the float or ball valve to stop more water entering. Then call us for same-day help.

How long does it take to unblock a toilet?

Most toilet blockages take 30 minutes to an hour to clear. Simple blockages in the toilet itself can be done in minutes. Blockages further down the waste pipe may take longer, especially if we need to use rodding or jetting equipment. If the blockage is in the main drain and affecting other fixtures, it could take a couple of hours.

Can a blocked toilet cause other problems?

Yes. If the blockage is in a shared waste pipe, it can cause other fixtures to drain slowly or back up - you might notice your bath or sink gurgling when you flush. Sewage can also back up into your home if a severe blockage isn't cleared. Standing water and waste create hygiene issues and unpleasant smells. It's best to get blockages sorted quickly.

What tools do you use to unblock toilets?

It depends on the blockage. For most toilet blockages, we use professional plungers or a toilet auger (a flexible cable that reaches into the waste pipe without scratching the porcelain). For deeper blockages, we use drain rods or high-pressure water jetting. If we need to find the cause of recurring blockages, we use CCTV cameras to inspect the pipes.

Should I use chemical drain cleaners?

We don't recommend them for toilets. Chemical cleaners can damage seals, gaskets, and older pipework. They often only partially dissolve blockages, leaving residue that blocks again. They're also hazardous - if you use them and then need to call us, you need to tell us so our engineers can work safely around the chemicals.

Is a blocked toilet my responsibility or the water company's?

If the blockage is in your toilet or the pipes inside your property boundary, it's your responsibility. If it's in the main sewer beyond your boundary, it's usually the water company's responsibility (since 2011, most private sewers were transferred to water company ownership). We can help identify where the blockage is and advise on next steps.

Blocked toilets

Get your toilet unblocked and flushing properly again

Complete blockages that won't flush at all

Slow-draining toilets and rising water levels

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Why choose OneFlow?

based on 180+ Google reviews

No callout fees

You only pay for the work itself. No charges for coming out, no minimum fees - just a fair price for getting your toilet working again.

Fixed pricing

We quote a fixed price before we start. Whether it's a simple blockage or something lodged deeper in the waste pipe, you know exactly what you're paying.

Quick and professional

We know a blocked toilet isn't something you want to talk about. Our engineers are professional, discreet, and won't make a fuss. They'll sort the problem quickly and leave everything clean.

Same-day service

A blocked toilet can't wait. That's why we offer same-day callouts across our coverage area - so you're not left without a working toilet any longer than necessary.

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Most blockages cleared in under an hour.

Back to normal quickly - with advice on how to stop it happening again.

98%

Of customers would recommend us.

3000+

Jobs completed last year alone.

What's causing the blockage?

Understanding what's blocking your toilet helps us fix it faster - and helps you prevent it happening again.

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The usual suspects

Most toilet blockages are caused by things that shouldn't be flushed. Wet wipes are the biggest culprit - even the ones labelled "flushable" don't break down like toilet paper and cause 93% of sewer blockages in the UK.

When it's not what you've flushed

Sometimes blockages happen further down the waste pipe or in the main drain. If your toilet keeps blocking even when you're careful about what you flush, there may be a build-up in the pipes, tree root intrusion, or a problem with the pipe itself.

Why choose a local team?

See how we compare to the big brands.

The big names

What you often get with the big names.

Minimum callout charges even for small jobs

Hourly rates that add up while they work

Quick fix that might not solve the underlying issue

Embarrassing questions and unnecessary fuss

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OneFlow

What you get when you call us.

No callout fees - you only pay for the work

Fixed pricing quoted before we start

We find the actual cause, not just clear the symptom

Professional, discreet service from local engineers

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year 2025

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What our customers say

Real reviews from real customers.

“Called at 6am with sewage coming up through the shower. Engineer arrived before 8, fixed it within the hour. Can't thank them enough.”

— James T, Southampton

“Third company I'd tried that week. The other two never showed. OneFlow answered, turned up same day, and actually fixed it. Should have called them first.”

— Michelle R, Brighton

“No messing about. Showed me the camera footage, explained what was wrong, gave me a price, and got on with it. Exactly how it should be.”

— David H, Portsmouth

“Blocked drain on Christmas Eve. Thought we'd be stuck for days. They came out that evening and sorted it. Absolute lifesavers.”
‍

— Sarah K, Guildford

“We've used them for three rental properties now. Always answer the phone, always turn up, always fair on price. Hard to find.”
‍

— Mark L, Bournemouth

“Engineer was honest and said we didn't need half the work another company had quoted for. Saved us hundreds. We'll use them every time now.”

— Karen W, Winchester

“Toilet blocked on the morning of our daughter's birthday party. They had someone here within the hour and sorted it before the guests arrived.”

— Rachel M, Crawley

“Other companies quoted over the phone then doubled it on arrival. OneFlow quoted £180, charged £180.”
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— Tom S, Bournemouth

“Drainage issue had been misdiagnosed twice by other firms. OneFlow found the real problem in ten minutes with their camera. Fixed the same day.”

— Angela D, Eastbourne

“Rang at 11pm expecting to leave a voicemail. Actual person answered. Engineer here by midnight. Didn't think companies like this still existed.”

— Chris B, Woking

FAQs

Still have questions?

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Got a blocked toilet?

Same-day callouts. Fixed pricing. No callout fees.

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90-minute average response across the UK.

★★★★★ based on 180+ Google reviews