An overflowing toilet! It’s never a good time to have toilet issues, also no one likes to deal with them anyways. However, there are some simple things you can do before calling in a professional plumber. So if the time comes and you’re stuck with an overflowing toilet it’s best to do have it fixed quickly.  That way you don’t have leaks going through the ceiling and destroying other rooms in your home and potentially dealing with your insurance company.

This article can guide you step by step in getting an overflowing toilet working properly again.

1. Stop additional water flow into your toilet

Right away stop any additional water flow into your toilet bowl. To do this remove the toilet tank lid. Reach into the toilet tank and push down on the flapper value which is the rubber piece in the bottom centre of the tank. This should stop the flow of water into the tank. Once the water level drops back to normal you should be able to let go of the float. Continuously watch the water level to make sure it doesn’t get too high.

It the water level doesn’t drop after a minute turn the valve until the water shuts off to prevent additional overflow. If water has spilled over the bowl and onto the floor, immediately clean it up.

2. Proper plunging of an overflowing toilet

Align the rubber cup of a toilet plunger over the centre of the hole of the toilet bowl. Apply downward pressure slowly at first, gradually increasing the speed and intensity. If a clog has caused the overflow, a plunger will dislodge the mass and allow water to escape through the plumbing.

3. Remove foreign objects from an overflowing toilet

If there is a foreign object stuck in the toilet, there are two things you can try. If you have a toilet auger, gently feed the auger in the toilet, this process may scratch the porcelain in the bowl be careful while doing this. Gently turn the auger to see if you can dislodge the object. If not, you may have to remove the toilet completely to retrieve the stuck object. Once you have removed the toilet, look into the bottom of the toilet to see if you can see the object and remove it.

Once the object is removed, the toilet will need a new wax ring before being reinstalled to the toilet flange on the floor. Don’t forget to silicone the toilet to the floor to prevent any leaks from going to the ceiling below.

4. When an overflowing toilet is an ongoing issue

If you are not comfortable with these suggestions, or if these steps didn’t help you remove the clog from your toilet contact a local trusted plumber.

Toilet overflowing could be a sign of a larger plumbing issue that may require professional attention. The clogging issue could be located farther along your pipe and not visible to you however, your plumber will be able to diagnose and fix the problem right away.

If your toilet is prone to clogs and overflowing, consider switching to a single ply toilet paper and /or replacing the toilet with a new flush style.

Recurring overflowing of soiled water indicates a sewer backup. If you have a private septic tank, contact a plumbing company to flush your system. Do not handle or live in an area contaminated with sewage.

For any of your plumbing needs contact A1 Choice Plumbing and Drain, we are here to help.