How to Stop an Overflowing Toilet?

If your toilet is overflowing, and you want to know how to stop it quickly, then this article is for you!

DIY Steps for Controlling an Overflowing Toilet

You may want to try and control an overflowing toilet problem on your own while you wait for professional backup. Here are some steps you can try to solve the issue on your own:

• Stop the water from refilling the tank. Lift the lid from your toilet tank and lift the bottom of the fill valve/float.
• Keep the float up to keep any water from refilling the toilet.
• Turn off the water supply at the toilet base.
• Turn off your home’s main water supply.

In some cases, even when you have turned off the main water supply, the toilet will keep overflowing! This is a sign of a problematic sewer issue. Call for emergency plumbing services immediately.

What to Do When the Toilet Stops Overflowing

Once you have successfully stopped the toilet from overflowing, take the time to clean up water that has pooled on the floor, taking extra sanitizing steps to make sure everything is clean and dry. Do not attempt to use or flush the toilet again until it has been inspected by a professional plumber. Trying to return the toilet to regular operation could lead to another episode of toilet overflow and more problems!

Why Do We Need to Stop an Overflowing Toilet?

Let’s face it–no one wants a flooded bathroom or a house full of water due to a broken pipe. If the problem lies with your sewer system, such as clogged drains and pipes, call a professional plumber right away. Licensed and certified plumbers help prevent overflowing toilets from happening in the future.

What Are the Most Common Causes of Overflowing Toilets?

An overflowing toilet doesn’t necessarily mean you have a clog. One or two inches of water in the bowl is usually not a problem if it drains quickly. If it overflows, however, there’s probably something wrong with your fixture and it will need immediate professional attention. Common causes of overflowing toilets include:

• Clogs
• Overflowing tank
• Incorrectly installed valves
• Leaking flappers or connections between tank and bowl
• Faulty levers, handles or cartridges
• Malfunctioning fill valves
• Clogged drains that lead to the toilet bowl
• Broken or damaged pipes and other plumbing under the floor or behind the wall

Don’t Make an Overflowing Toilet Situation Worse

An overflowing toilet is a stressful situation. Make sure you don’t do anything that makes the situation even worse! Things not to do include:

• Don’t panic. Panic leads to mistakes which lead to more clean-up time and lengthy repairs.
• Don’t attempt to flush the toilet again and again. This isn’t going to help and will make the problem worse.
• Don’t use nearby drains. You may have a blocked system drain or an issue with your mainline.
• Don’t be tempted to reach for harsh chemicals (like Drano) to unclog your system. These products do more harm than good!
• DO call a skilled, master plumber to come to your aid! This step is crucial and should happen as soon as you notice an issue with your plumbing.

Mike Counsil Plumbing offers emergency plumbing services to the South Bay Area that you can count on when you need them!

Contact us today to take care of your toilet repair to keep another toilet overflow scenario from occurring!