If flush water rises to the rim and then drains slowly, the toilet trap or drain is blocked. To unblock these, use a plunger or auger - the latter burrows into the blockage and loosens it up Tools and materials Auger

Pull a section of the auger out of the drum. Tighten the retaining nut on top of the auger body. Rotate the drum of the auger so it burrows into the waste system to dislodge the blockage.

Extracted from DIY- Know How With Show How published by Dorling Kindersley, price £25.00. Copyright © 2006 Dorling Kindersley Ltd, Text copyright © 2006 Julian Cassell and Peter Parham