The dreaded overflowing toilet. We’ve all experienced this conundrum at one time or another and while it can feel like a helpless situation, it doesn’t have to be. The good news is that with just a little know-how you can stop a toilet from overflowing. And no, it’s not by jiggling the handle. 

Here’s our step-by-step guide on how to stop the toilet from overflowing:

First, Remove the lid
Simply open the lid on the toilet tank and set it aside, working quickly. 

Now, find the flapper valve
Reach into the toilet tank and find the flapper valve. It’s a rubber part that sits in the bottom of the tank. Press down on the valve gently to stop water from reaching the toilet bowl. This will quickly prevent any more water from overflowing the toilet. 

Next, lift the float
Hold the float up to let water levels get back to the normal level. Once you notice that they are back (it should take just about a minute), let go of the float. Everything should return to normal at this point. If they don’t, read on. 

Go ahead and shut off the water
At this point, you’ll want to locate your toilet’s supply valve and turn it off by rotating it clockwise. Usually, the valve is located behind the toilet in the wall or near the floor. Once the water supply has been turned off, you’ll need to stop using all sinks, toilets and faucets while you move on to the next step. 

Now try to determine the issue
Start checking all the plumbing fixtures in the home. If drains in the house are clogged or if other toilets in the house are overflowing as well, you may have a block in your drain system or a major septic tank issue. 

Try using a plunger
If only one toilet is overflowing, the cause could be a clog. Use a plunger that is fitted for the toilet and see if you can unclog the toilet by plunging it. You could use drain opener for toilets as well. 

Call a professional plumber if nothing seems to work
If you’ve followed all of the steps above and nothing seems to be working, it’s time to call a plumber. You likely have a plumbing issue that requires a professional who can get to the source of the problem quickly and fix it properly. 

The team at Allied Reddi-Rooter is here to help you with all your plumbing needs (and yes, that includes overflowing toilets). Give us a call, or Contact us to schedule prompt, professional and friendly service.  We always come highly recommended and have earned an A+ rating from the Better Business Bureau for our expert quality of service.  You can follow us on Facebook, @Allied Reddi-Rooter for the latest tips or to ask us a question.