If there is one thing you should always be able to rely on is the toilet flushing when you need it. Often, people experience a moment of terror when the toilet starts to overflow. You flush the loo, but instead of the water level dropping, it rises! Next thing you know, your floor is covered in toilet overflow!
Indeed, few things are as panic-inducing as flushing the toilet, hearing a strange gurgle, and seeing the water level climb.
At some point or another, everyone has blocked or backed up a loo, but regrettably, most people are clueless about what to do if the toilet water begins to overflow.
This article can guide you on the steps you can take to prevent a toilet overflow from becoming an expensive home repair. This emergency procedure is crucial if your toilet has a history of clogging or if you just want to be ready for the worst.
The most critical thing to do if a toilet is overflowing, regardless of the source, is to stop the water from entering the bowl.
Steps To Follow For A Toilet Overflow
Don’t flush Again!
After flushing, if water is still rising in the bowl, it means a blockage has occurred and is preventing water from flowing through the toilet drain. The toilet bowl will continue to flood if you flush again since more water will not be able to get past the obstruction.
- Shut off the water supply
Close the valve near the base of your toilet to shut off the water. Turn the water shut-off valve clockwise to stop the water flow.
- Close the flapper
Carefully remove the water tank cover and set it aside. Look inside and locate the flapper in the water tank. It looks like a rubber circle attached to a chain or metal lever at the bottom of the tank.
If the flapper is open, insert your hand and push it closed. Water that flows into the bowl will stop when the flapper closes and seals against the tank bottom. Find the float if the flapper is closed or if it won’t stay closed manually.
- Rig the float
If your toilet does not have a water valve, open the water tank and look inside the tank for the float. It is the object that floats on the water surface and prevents the tank from filling past a particular point. The water will stop flowing if you manually raise the float to the top of the tank.
If it is a float ball, it will resemble an egg-shaped rubber ball on a lever. If it is a float cup, it will look like a cup and have a cylindrical fill valve for the toilet going through it vertically from the tank bottom.
Secure the float by tying it or rigging it. The tank will not fill up with any more water as long as the float is in place.
- Get rid of the extra water in the bowl
It prevents an overflow incident. You can transfer the extra water to the sink or bathtub so it can safely drain away. You can use a wet vacuum, a bucket, a cup, or something similar to scoop out the water.
- Dry the floors at once
Remove any water spilt over the bowl onto the floor straight away. You can use towels to wipe up small water spills on the floor.
Use a shop vac for larger spills or to remove water from the carpet and other materials. If your toilet overflows over the rug, you can also cover the mess with a dry, folded towel.
After that, place something substantial on the towel and leave it there for 30 to 60 minutes so it can absorb the water. Clean and sanitise any surfaces that come in contact with the toilet water.
- Safely remove any trash
Remember that toilet overflow does not just entail water. So, exercise caution when clearing up a mess and ensure you properly dispose of anything you pick up. You should also clean all surfaces that came into contact with the toilet water after removing the debris and any extra water.
- Plunge the toilet
You can take care of the toilet problem once you have established a secure working area. Most toilets overflow because of a blockage.
If you know that a foreign is preventing the toilet from flushing, get a pair of rubber gloves and try to remove or dislodge the object. If a clog is causing the overflow, use a toilet plunger and try to clear the blockage.
If you do not have a toilet plunger, you might be able to use a sink plunger, but it may not be as effective. When using the plunger, make an airtight seal and plunge up and down for 10 to 20 seconds each time. Stubborn obstructions may require a toilet snake instead of a plunger to dislodge them.
- Check the toilet
Test the toilet once you have removed the obstruction. Restart the water supply, and if necessary, rig the float back into place, and then flush the toilet. If you experience another overflow, repeat the procedure.
- Get expert assistance
Call a plumber if you fail to clear the blockage or if your toilet continues to overflow despite your best efforts after two or three attempts.
The overflowing toilet can be a symptom of a more serious plumbing problem. A professional plumber can quickly identify and resolve the issue even if the obstruction is further up your line.
Also Read: How to avoid toiled clogging
To Summarise
The toilet overflowing is a typical plumbing issue, but it can easily ruin your day. You can avoid a filthy mess in your bathroom by learning to stop a toilet from overflowing.
Learning how to plunge your toilet and help prevent future blockages or clogging is also essential.
Always call a professional if you cannot clear the blockage or suspect the overflow stems from a more complex plumbing issue.
We will be happy to diagnose and resolve the issue so you can have a well-functioning toilet again.