Many homeowners aren’t sure how to unclog an overflowing toilet, and may not know what to do when a toilet overflows. When they first experience a toilet overflowing when flushed, it’s easy to panic. However, knowing how to stop the toilet from overflowing and to keep it from flooding the bathroom is a skill every homeowner should know. Don’t flush the toilet again if it starts to overflow the first time, as that will make the issue much worse. Overflowing usually means a clog, and knowing how to remove the clog is essential to be able to flush again.
Steps to Stop Toilet Overflowing
The first step homeowners should learn when they’re trying to figure out how to stop a toilet from overflowing is how to close the flapper. Inside the toilet’s tank, there is a circular piece made of rubber. It’s attached to a chain or a lever. Pushing this down will seal it against the hole in the bottom of the tank, preventing more water from flowing into the toilet bowl.
Turn Off the Water
The next step for an overflowing toilet is to turn off the water. Most toilets will have a valve on them between the toilet and the wall. Turn this to the right to stop the water from flowing. Depending on the type of valve, it may need to be turned clockwise ¼ of a turn or turned until it is tight. Once it is turned, water should stop flowing into the tank.
Hold the Float in Place
When dealing with a toilet clogged for any reason and there isn’t a way to turn off the water, there is an alternative. In the tank, there is a float that is on top of the water. When this moves up or down, it starts or stops the flow of water. Tie this in place, so it can’t move, then follow the next steps for how to stop a toilet from overflowing.
Clean the Bathroom
The bathroom is going to be a mess because of the overflowing water. Homeowners will want to take a moment to clean up the bathroom before finishing the repairs needed. It is a good idea to clean and sanitize the bathroom if the water reached the floor, as it can be hazardous. After cleaning, it’s time to learn what to do when a toilet overflows and how to stop it from happening again.
Use a Plunger
Most people know that one step for how to unclog an overflowing toilet is to use a plunger, but they may not know how. When dealing with a toilet overflowing when flushed, homeowners will want to make sure they have the right plunger. For toilets, a flange plunger is needed. Place the plunger in the toilet, then use an up and down motion to push on the plunger. It may take a few tries to get the water to go down, but if this works, the clog will be loosened and pushed down the drain.
There are times when the clog is too far down, and a plunger won’t work. If the plunger doesn’t work after a few minutes, drain snaking may be necessary. Those who don’t have experience using one of these may want to call a plumber for help. Drain snakes can be simple to use, but if they are used incorrectly, they could lead to damaged pipes, which is a much more expensive problem to deal with compared to a minor clog removal.
Test For Toilet Overflowing
If the water has gone down, the clog may be removed. When dealing with a toilet clogged, it’s important to test the toilet before assuming it works properly again. Skipping the testing can lead to another overflowing toilet and more work to get it operating right again. Turn the water supply back on and let the float go back to its normal position, and then flush the toilet. Homeowners who notice the toilet tank overfilling at this point will want to try again, but if the issue isn’t resolved the second time, it’s an indication that something more serious may be wrong. At this point, it’s a good idea to call a plumber.
A toilet tank overfilling can be more than just a pain to deal with – it can be challenging to fix for those who have never had to handle the issue on their own before. If repairing the toilet using the above steps doesn’t work or drain snaking is needed, call Home Choice Plumbing for fast help.
If you need overflowing toilet services in Jupiter, FL, or the surrounding areas, trust the experts at Home Choice Plumbing. Contact us online, or give us a call at (561) 531-2366. Our friendly and knowledgeable professionals are standing by to assist you.