What To Do When Your Toilet Is Overflowing
If you find your toilet overflowing, don’t panic, this is a common occurrence and can sometimes be solved with a quick plunge. There are steps you can take to prevent yourself from further inconveniences. Occasionally, an overflowing toilet can be a sign of larger sewer problems, and, knowing when there is an underlying problem can save extensive damage to your home.
Turn the Water Off
This should be the first step you take if water is seeping out of your toilet. Turning the water off will prevent more water from running onto your floor. There is a toilet shut-off valve you can turn to give you the time you need to address the problem. This valve is usually located on the bottom of your toilet.
Remove Excess Water to Prevent Toilet from Overflowing
While unpleasant, you might need to remove some of the water in your toilet before attempting to remove the clog. If you attempt to plunge a full toilet, water will splash onto your floor, and it will likely splash you as well. Once the water level drops, you can attempt to solve the issue.
Use a Plunger to Remove the Clog
A good plunger is your go-to when your toilet is overflowing. Ensure you create a good seal and plunge a few times without breaking it. Most of the time, this will do the trick. If you are not successful on the first try, you can try again. Make sure there is enough water in the toilet to fully submerge the bottom of the plunger.
Try a Toilet Auger
A toilet auger acts as a snake and can break clogs that are further down your toilet. If you experience your toilet overflowing often, these are useful to keep on hand. However, some types can scratch your toilet, resulting in permanent cosmetic damage.
If You Have Successfully Drained the Toilet
If you successfully drained the water in your toilet, you are free to clean up any mess and turn the valve back on. Clogged toilets happen to everyone, and it is not uncommon for them to overflow. But sometimes, these unpleasant experiences are preventable. To prevent yourself from the hassle of going through this as often, you can take a few simple precautions
How to Prevent a Toilet From Overflowing
A major cause of toilet overflowing is using too much toilet paper. Using only the necessary amount can reduce the frequency of clogged toilets. Making sure you don’t flush wipes, paper towels, or other materials can help prevent issues with your plumbing. Small children often flush small toys and other items down the toilet. Restricting unsupervised access can ensure this doesn’t happen.
When an Overflowing Toilet is a Bigger Problem
It’s not always a clog that causes a toilet overflow, overflowing could be a sign of a larger problem. An issue with your main sewer line might be causing the problem. Damaged sewer lines are sometimes disguised as a simple clog. But no amount of plunging will solve the problem. If the main line is damaged, the water in your toilet might not drain at all, or it might drain ineffectively. This problem needs to be fixed by a professional rooter company.
Sewer Line Repair in South Florida
If you are concerned your overflowing toilet is caused by a damaged sewer line, contact Art Rooter, Sewer & Drain Cleaning today at 1-833-470-2880. Delaying repairs can lead to more issues and could result in the need for a full sewer line replacement.
We will send a sewer repair technician to investigate the problem and determine the best course of action. Our experts will repair the problem quickly. If you are experiencing problems with your sewer, don’t hesitate, and contact our sewer repair professionals today.
