An overflowing toilet is a frustrating sight that no one wants to see and tackle. The sight of water spilling onto the bathroom floor is stressful. But, before calling for plumber services you can try these, related to How to Fix an Overflowing Toilet. With the right knowledge and tools, you can fix the issue in minutes and avoid a huge plumbing disaster.
It is an emergency kind of situation that blows the mind, but one should know how to react in such a situation. It not only saves money but also stops germs spread.
How to Stop a Toilet From Overflowing
Toilet Overflow due to clogging is common and requires a little effort. Generally, the problem occurs due to a blockage in the sewerage line due to the flushing of unnecessary objects. If those objects are soft then you can handle the situation by yourself, otherwise, you need the help of a plumber. Following is the step-by-step guide, you can try once before calling a professional to solve the issue.
What To Do If Toilet Overflows
Stop Flashing
Do not Flush again if the water is not moving. The problem will increase if you try to flush the water repeatedly. The plumbing system is blocked and needs to be unclogged before flushing water again, This is the most common mistake people make in panic and increases the problem multiple times.
Water Shut-Off Valve
Close the water valve. It will stop water from entering. Once you see the water is not moving and blocked. You need to block fresh water from entering the bowl of the toilet. Doing so will stop the stop at a certain level. You call on the valve once the problem is resolved.
Lift the Float
If your flush tank does not have a water shut-off valve, you can stop the water using other methods. You need to open the flush tank cap and lift the float. It is not difficult and requires a minute to open the flush tank and stop the water manually. It ultimately stops the water.
Plunger to Unclog Toilet
It is a common tool one needs in case of emergencies like water blockage. It is designed to create pressure which ultimately resolves blockage. Push the plunger and apply pressure to clear the clog. It will take a few minutes to unclog.
Dish Soap
A Dish Soap can help in such a problem if you do not have other tools. If you do not have a plunger to clear the blockage, you can use dish soap to solve the problem. Put an adequate amount and leave it for an hour or two. Use a gallon of hot water, it will clear the blockage. If not repeat the process one or two times again.
Reasons Behind Overflowing Toilet
Clogged Drain or Sewer Line
If a drain line or sewer line is clogged, it will block or slow the water flow. It can happen due to debris, excess tissues, hairs, and other objects. Once the water is blocked, it completely stops the toilet from functioning.
Blocked vent
Clogged Vent blocks the airflow which makes the gas’s outflow impossible as a result these gases move inside of the house. The distinct odor of gases makes breathing difficult. It is also not good for the health of the family.
Too much toilet paper
Toilet papers are flushed in the toilet and dissolve with time, it is a normal practice. However, too many toilet papers block the water flow. It is advised not to flush out too much paper to avoid toilet clogs.
Flushing wipes and other items
Wipes do not need to be flushed out in the toilet. The composition of wipes is different from toilet paper. They do not break down and dissolve in water. If you flush, then you are playing with the drainage system.
Excessive water pressure
Water pressure also plays a role in the plumbing system. The pressure needs to be managed. In some cases, high water pressure also blocks the water flow and causes trouble.
How a Toilet Overflow Can Damage Your Home
It damages your bathroom and also has some other consequences. The problems will increase with time. You need to take action to resolve this issue and reduce the damages to an extent. It can damage flooring, walls, and the whole sewerage system of the house. Following are some other consequences of water overflowing.
Family Health
The overflown Sewage has bacteria and viruses which can affect the family’s health. Gastroenteritis is one common illness that can happen if you are in a house affected by toilet overflow and sewage.
If you unclog the toilet yourself, you must be careful while performing the operations, cleaning and disinfecting the floor.
Mold
An overflown toilet provides a perfect mix for mold growth. The cleaning process after the restoration is important. If you leave some area then it starts growing.
Clean the toilet and affected area if water is flown outside otherwise, it can lead to many respiratory and skin diseases.
Structural Damage
There are chances of structural damage if the overflown toilet is on the upper portion and water is flown outside the bathroom. It can affect the bathroom floor, room flooring, ceiling, and furniture.
In such a scenario, you need to call the professionals to inspect the building to save it from further damage.
Tips for Avoiding Future Toilet Overflows
To avoid such issues in the future you need to follow some basic practices which are as follows:
- Regular Inspection: Regularly toilet to replace damaged parts on time.
- Toilet Plunger: Use the plunger regularly to clear any minor blockage.
- Water Pressure: Maintain normal water pressure by installing the regulator.
Contact A Professional Plumber If Necessary
If you cannot fix the toilet overflowing problem, you need to talk to professionals who can solve the problem for you. In such scenarios, USA Water Restoration services in Orchards WA is the perfect choice. They are providing services to their clients with satisfaction.
They have the latest equipment, which can solve any issue quickly and save your home and office from further damage. You are just one call away from their services.
FAQs
What prevents a toilet tank from overflowing?
Flush tank flappers and fill valves prevent the toilet from overflowing. It helps in blocking the freshwater entrance which ultimately reduces stop increasing the issue. If you start the unclogging process without these points, there is a fair chance water will overflow from the bathroom floor and enter the room.
What chemicals unclog a toilet?
You can use different chemicals to unclog the toilet. Baking soda, vinegar, and dish soap are some of the most commonly used ingredients. These are the chemicals one can find in their kitchen and easily solve the toilet overflowing problem.
What do plumbers use to unblock drains?
There are several manual processes and tools that plumbers use for plumbing blockage. They mainly use drain snakes or augers, hydro-jetters, and chemicals for unclogging toilets and other drainage systems. They are professional in their work and know how to solve the issue with minimal time and effort.
Does boiling water unclog drains?
Yes, It is effective in some cases. It can unclog a toilet if blocked due to toilet paper or other softened items. You can use it with dish soap and a plunger for maximum results. Dish soap and hot water make the tissue soft, and the plunger creates pressure to clear the clog. If it is blocked due to solid objects, it does not work.
Conclusion
An overflowing toilet is a frustrating and a panic situation for anyone, but most of the time it happens due to minor blockage which you can solve easily by following the step-by-step guide on how to fix overflowing toilet. You should call a professional if the problem is not resolved, as it can further damage your toilet and drainage system. But you can fix overflowing toilet on your own but cannot restore water damage after flood, for which you can take professional help.