Steps You Need To Take When Your Toilet Is Overflowing

There are few situations more stressful than watching idly while your toilet overflows and spills onto the bathroom floor below. We have all been there. We all agree that it is incredibly irritating and anxiety inducing. In this article, we will discuss what you need to know in order to prevent an overflowing toilet and how to remove a toilet clog.

Causes Of An Overflowing Toilet

An overflowing toilet is most often the result of a simple block. Less common are issues with the tank's floating mechanism. This means that your toilet may be incorrectly regulating the flow of water. That said, when you find yourself in an overflow situation, the first step is to cut the water. You can work on pinpointing the underlying source of the problem later.

Shut Off The Toilet's Water Supply

To shut off the toilet's water supply, check the line near the bottom side of the bowl. Typically this line will include a valve. Once you locate the valve, turn it counterclockwise to halt the flow of water. This will stop the toilet from overflowing further.

Lift The Float Ball

Next, take off the toilet tank cover. Lift up the float ball high so the water stops running. While the water in the tank is sanitary, feel free to pop on a pair of rubber gloves for this step. Then, use a disposable cup or bucket to manually eliminate any excess water at the brim of the tank and the toilet bowl. Pour this water in an adjacent sink or shower if is clean. If the water is dirty, it is best to use a plastic bucket. Once you have fixed the flood, pour any dirty water back into the toilet bowl and re flush the toilet for a safe method of disposal.

Use A Plunger

Sometimes the toilet may also need a plunge to clear a potential blockage. Line up the rubber cup of your toilet plunger with the center hole in the toilet bowl. Push down on the plunger, gradually increasing intensity and speed to suction out the clog. After a few moments the momentum of the plunger should dislodge the clog or mass blocking the plumbing. Once cleared, water should flow freely throughout the toilet again. Remember to turn the water back on at the bottom valve one you have cleared the clog. Next, wait until the water level drops to normal. It also helps to give the toilet a test flush to ensure everything is working properly.

 

Use A Toilet Auger

Lastly, if a plunger doesn't work you may elect to try a little gadget called a toilet auger. An auger is a special plumbing snake lopped in a protective tube with a bend at the end. You can insert the auger inside the hole in the bowl and turn the handle to clear a hard to reach clog. Please note that a regular plumbing snake should not be used in a toilet, as it will damage or scratch the bowl.

Call A Professional

But please keep in mind that even the most intrepid do it your self-er is no match for a professional plumber. If you have a nasty clog or ongoing overflow problem is it of utmost importance for all homeowners to call a professional plumber for all repairs and maintenance.

Clogged Toilet Bethlehem PA

Sometimes a clog can be caused by something more complicated that what meets the eye. When you have made the above attempts, it is best to contact a plumber right away. For experienced, trusted, and affordable plumbing services, contact Robinson Plumbing. We are a family owned business that has been serving both residential and commercial properties of the Lehigh Valley. For a list of our services, click here. We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

The post Steps You Need To Take When Your Toilet Is Overflowing is courtesy of Robinson Plumbers