Blocked toilet and leak; help please!

toilletproblem

Slightly embarrassing problem; all help appreciated!

Have posted this in both DIY and Heating/Plumbing as I’m not sure which forum is best for this.

Went to the toilet about an hour ago and knew that there were likely to be “flushing issues”.

Sure enough, when I flushed, the bowl filled up close to the brim, but soon afterwards it emptied out again. While I was waiting for the tank to fill for a second flush I noticed a small amount of moisture on the floor, but not too much. The toilet wasn’t completely cleared, so when the tank was filled again I flushed a second time. Once again it filled close to the brim and gradually started to subside, and now the toilet seems to be empty.

However, I noticed that some water was flowing out of the pipe at the back of the toilet. There was certainly more than during the first flush. I’ve no idea about quantity, but maybe half a cup?? The flow lasted for the duration of the flush. The water was coming from the area where the toilet pipe connects to the drainage pipe. I have taken a photo and marked the area with a red oval. See attached.


I’ve no idea what’s going on here. My guess is that the blockage moved from the toilet itself to the drainage/sewer pipe and caused a backwash of water and hence the leak. Can anybody shed any more light on the problem? Does anybody know what’s going on here? Have I completely blocked the drainage pipe? Is the junction between the toilet and drainage pipe meant to be sealed in some way to prevent this, and has the seal been damaged? Is it safe to use again? I am tempted to flush again just to see what happens; is this wise? Is it safe to just leave it for now, or could some new leak develop even without using it? If I need to get somebody out, do I need somebody to unblock the drains or just a plumber to look at that leak? Really, I know very little about this kind of thing so I would be very grateful for any help.

Thankfully we have other toilets in the house so I can leave it for a few days until after the Bank Holiday to get someone out if needs be.

Joey the lips

Clearly you have discovered the blockage is in the pipe and not your toilet the question is where it is in the pipe. It might be effect all your toilets and slowly backing up.

Go out and lift your access junctions. These are black sqaure or circular shores out your back. They are bout 2 foot. You can then see if the blockage is in these or further up the pipe.

toilletproblem

Many thanks for this response.

Is there any chance that the blockage has just moved itself along?

The other two toilets flow into the sewer at the front of the house; the one with the problem is at the side of the house. They may end up flowing into the same sewer eventually, but it’s also possible that they don’t as the house is on a corner and there may be different sewer systems for the two different roads.

The sink in that bathroom flows into the same pipe and there is no sign of backing up there, so perhaps this gives me hope that the blockage has moved along.

Is there a major problem with the pipe if water has come out of it, or is it just a normal reaction to the blockage? If the blockage clears will the pipe be ok from then on?

I’m tempted to flush again to see if it’s clear, although I am reluctant to start mopping up that leak again. Maybe pouring half a bucket of water in is a good initial test??

Joey the lips

A bucket of water is a good idea. At least you can control it.

toilletproblem

Many thanks for these replies.

The toilet waste pipe goes straight out our wall and then straight down into the sewer outside. The sink and shower in that bathroom also feed into the same waste pipe. There has been no backup of water or even slowdown in the flow of water in the sink or the shower, so it leads me to conclude that either the blockage is gone or else that it is somewhere between the ubend and main waste pipe.

I intend to test it by pouring in water from a bucket, but if this doesn't work I will get somebody in to fix it. I would have no idea how to go about rodding the drains. In theory it sounds like a simple procedure but in practice I think I could easily make more of a mess of the situation if I don't know what I am at.

Two questions.

1. I am inclined to leave this until tomorrow as I'm sure it will cost more to get somebody out on a Bank Holiday. Since we have other toilets, and since the blockage (if still there) seems local and is not affecting other pipework, is there any downside or potential damage that could come from leaving the blockage there that long?

2. If I have to call somebody out, can anyone recommend (if you are allowed!) a discreet company that won't cost an arm and a leg?