As a responsible homeowner, you will read this article before you see the water line in your toilet bowl slowly rising and rising and rising… Overflowing toilets can happen at any time. Be prepared and follow these management techniques on how to prevent water damage.
Close the shutoff valve
The best and fastest action to stop the toilet overflowing is to stop the water flow at the source. The toilet’s main shutoff valve is typically located under the tank towards the back. If you cannot find the valve or this is stuck, don’t waste time, try the next technique.
Stop the water flow from the toilet tank
- Remove the lid of the tank and set it to the side.
- Check the flapper (a rubber disc) that is located at the bottom of your tank. If the flapper is open, close it.
- If the flapper doesn’t stay closed, lift the toilet float – the cylindrical or ball-shaped valve that sits on top of the water in the tank.
- Prop or hold the float in place, while you unclog the toilet.
Unclog the toilet
Now, that the water flow is stopped, you need to address the reason for your emergency plumbing: clear the clog away.
- Use a classic plunger or a plumbing snake.
- Put some dish soap in the toilet bowl and then follow with a gallon of hot, but not boiling, water to dissolve the rest of the clog.
Get professional help
If the clog is more serious or maybe the toilet tank is broken, you need to call the plumbers to repair your toilet. Also, as the clog might be somewhere else on the drainpipe, then professional inspection and intervention are needed.
At 1st Response Plumber, our professional plumbers are available for around-the-clock service. Call us for any plumbing emergencies you have: (858) 203-0930.
