Start by describing the exact symptom. That helps separate a simple toilet issue from signs that other drainage fixtures may also be affected.
Do not keep flushing if the water is rising.
Choose the closest symptom
What is the toilet doing?
Slow flush
The water clears, but more slowly than usual.
Rising water
The level rises after flushing or drains very slowly.
Will not flush
The handle, button or flush action does not clear the bowl.
Recurring blockage
The same problem returns after temporarily clearing.
Avoid making it worse
What not to do
Do not keep flushing when the water level is rising or close to overflowing.
Do not force the handle, button or visible fitting if it is sticking.
Do not mix different cleaning products or use unknown chemicals in the bowl.
One fixture or several?
A useful distinction
Only this toilet
If sinks, baths and other toilets are draining normally, describe this toilet’s flush, water level and recent changes.
One bowl affected
Other fixtures appear normal
Several fixtures
If more than one fixture is slow, gurgling or backing up, mention that early in the enquiry.
Multiple fixtures affected
Shared drainage may be relevant
Make the problem easy to understand
What information helps?
Say when it started and whether it is getting worse.
Include the room and Kensington or W8 location.
Describe the water level, smell, noise or visible overflow.
A photo can help
If safe and appropriate, show the bowl and surrounding area without touching the water.
Look beyond the toilet
When might wider drainage be involved?
A blockage may deserve a wider description when sinks, baths or another toilet are also slow, when water backs up elsewhere, or when gurgling happens across more than one fixture. Include those observations rather than treating them as separate problems.
Sink or bath drains slowly Water backs up elsewhere Gurgling from several fixtures
