Thursday, November 2nd, 2023

How to stop a toilet from overflowing

It’s a dreaded scenario: you’ve just flushed the toilet, only this time, as the bowl starts to fill again it doesn’t stop. That’s when the panic sets in. Is the toilet about to overflow? And, if so, how will you stop it? 

We’ve been in the business long enough to know this is quite a common worry. And yet, many homeowners aren’t sure what to do if the problem arises. Luckily, there are a few easy things you can do if your toilet begins to overflow, or at least looks as if it will. 

The key here is to act fast. Don’t simply watch the toilet, hoping it stops filling with water. Instead move quickly, because the sooner you act, the less likely water will pool on the floor, which can lead to a costly floor repair. 

First, shut off the toilet’s water valve

Everyone should know where their toilet’s water valve is located. Usually, it’s a knob or switch that connects the plumbing to the wall. You turn the valve clockwise to turn the water off. Just make sure not to flush the toilet once the valve is closed. Doing so might cause a mess. 

Next, close the flapper

Locate the flapper in the tank. It is usually attached to a chain or a lever. Now, close the flapper by pushing it to create a seal so water doesn’t continue to flow into the bowl. 

Now, secure the float

You know that ball that sits at the top of the flapper? That’s the float. You’ll want to secure the float with a tie so that it can’t move water into the tank. 

Once you’ve completed these three tasks, it’s time to get rid of the excess water in your tank to prevent it from continuing to overflow. Use a bucket to collect any water in the tank and pour the water down the bathtub drain or in the yard. You’ll also need to mop up any water that has collected on the floor. 

Note: If there’s waste in the water, use gloves (in fact, we recommend wearing a pair regardless). Place the waste in a garage bag and dispose of it quickly. Then, sanitize all surfaces that the waste touched. You’ll also want to disinfect areas exposed to the toilet water. 

Finally, it’s time to find and remove the blockage that caused the toilet to overflow. Use a plunger to dislodge the clog. If that doesn’t work, use an auger, or call a professional plumber. 

Don’t wait to repair your toilet. Instead, contact the team at Allied Reddi-Rooter as soon as you detect a problem. We’ve been Cincinnati’s trusted plumbing company for decades and are here when you need help fast.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.