Stop the Water! Tips to Fix an Overflowing Toilet
We have all been in the unfortunate situation where the toilet bowl begins to fill up instead of draining! This can be a cause for alarm and panic as you attempt to minimize the damage as much as possible. Let’s cover the steps to follow when you find yourself with an overflowing toilet to mitigate the damage and panic.
To stop a minor overflowing toilet from becoming a much larger issue, keep these tips in mind:
Turn off the water: first things first! You should be aware of where the toilet shut off valve is located. Typically, this valve can be found behind or near the toilet; usually close to the base of the toilet. Turn the valve in a clockwise direction to immediately stop the flow of water.
Take off the tank lid: if the water is continuing to run into the toilet bowl, there might be an issue with the flapper. Ensure the flapper is sealed properly over the drain hole at the bottom of the tank. If it is not, adjust accordingly.
Get your plunger: it is a good idea to keep your plunger handy and ready. The last thing you want to be doing while your toilet bowl is filling up is madly searching your house! If the water level is not going down after shutting off the water and adjusting the flapper or float ball in the tank, it is time to use the plunger. Place the plunger over the drain hole in the toilet bowl, and push down firmly, then pull up quickly. Continue until you see the water levels lower.
Remove the blockage: if using the plunger does not work, you might need to use a toilet auger or a plumbing snake to help clear the blockage. A toilet auger is designed for clearing clogs and blockages in toilet drains. Its flexible and durable design enables it to navigate through the curves of the toilet, reaching and removing obstructions that can cause drainage issues. A snake is similar but is smaller than an auger. It is often more successful than a plunger at removing clogs. Insert the auger or the drain snake into the toilet bowl and move it clockwise to help break up or remove the obstruction.
Clean up: Once the water level has returned to normal, and any blockages have been cleared, it is time to tidy up. Soak up any excess water, and then disinfect the area thoroughly to help prevent the spread of bacteria and remove unwanted odours in your bathroom and home.
Check for damage: Depending on the amount of water, if any, that escaped the toilet bowl, you’ll want to inspect for damage. Check around the toilet, including the floor, walls, and baseboards. If you notice any issues, you can resolve them yourself or seek professional guidance if needed.
Of course, if this becomes a regular occurrence, or you would like to speak with a plumber about toilet replacements, the Action team is here to help. Any kind of leak or water issue is something that should be addressed immediately.
You want to ensure that small problems around your home don’t become big, messy, and expensive ones!