HOW TO STOP YOUR TOILET FROM FLOODING: A QUICK GUIDE
It’s bad enough when your toilet is clogged and won’t flush properly. But if it starts overflowing, you have to do whatever it takes to keep filthy water from spilling all over your floor.
Learning how to stop your toilet from flooding means understanding why it’s acting up in the first place. Fortunately, our quick, easy guide is here to help you know what to do when a toilet overflows. You’ll learn how the inner parts work, then pick up a few easy DIY or professional solutions to get everything back in working order.
Brothers Air, Heat & Plumbing is a local resource for stressed homeowners and business owners who need a quick solution to common household problems. Facing a plumbing emergency? Don’t delay! We have emergency plumbers standing by.
COMMON CAUSES FOR TOILET FLOODING
The most common causes of an overflowing toilet include clogs, minor internal component issues, sewer line problems, and age. Let’s break down each one to determine what might be causing your issue.
CLOGS
The only things you should flush are waste, toilet paper, water, and toilet-cleaning solutions. Flushing food, hair, sanitary wipes, or paper towels can cause a slow clog to build, leading to a backup.
INNER COMPONENTS
Your toilet’s inner components include a fill valve and tube, a flush valve, a flapper, a flush lever, and an overflow tube. All of these components control how much water enters and leaves your toilet. If just one of these components is damaged or comes loose, you might experience flooding.
OLD AGE
A very old toilet may have worn-out parts that fail over time, such as a drain valve with a weak seal. Most toilets need to be replaced after 15 or 20 years, although some models can last a little longer with maintenance. Signs that a toilet might need replacing include cracks in the porcelain, frequent clogging or overflowing, and leaking.
SEWER LINE PROBLEMS
Figuring out how to stop your toilet from flooding may involve reaching out to a sewer line professional. Sometimes the issue is a damaged pipe that requires a more complex approach.
Before you reach out for plumbing help, we can help you keep the issue from getting worse with a few DIY tips. You can also call us anytime for urgent assistance.
STEP-BY-STEP GUIDE TO STOP A TOILET FROM FLOODING
Figuring out how to fix a flooded toilet is your first step to preventing costly water damage. First, grab some rubber gloves and a towel so you can work without worrying about contaminated water getting everywhere. If you’re worried about splashing, consider wearing a mask and goggles, too.
1. PRESS DOWN ON THE FLAPPER VALVE
Many toilets start flooding because the flapper valve has come loose and no longer controls the flow of water. Press down on the flapper valve to see if it stops the water from continuously flowing into the bowl.
2. LIFT THE FLOAT (OR BALL)
Toilets have a built-in feature that generally controls overflow by allowing only a certain amount of water to pass through the valve and lever. The float (sometimes called the ball) in your toilet’s tank also helps control the water level by opening and closing the valve.
You can lift the ball out of the water to simulate its natural floating pattern and prevent overflow. This emergency toilet shut-off tip can stop the water from overflowing into the bathroom.
3. WATCH FOR THE WATER LEVEL TO DROP
Make sure to keep a close eye on the toilet’s water level at this point. Pressing the flapper valve and then lifting the float should cause the water level to start dropping. When the level goes down, it is a sign that the problem is under control.
4. REMOVE THE BLOCKAGE WITH A PLUNGER
You can figure out if you’re dealing with a clog by getting a plunger and doing a series of short, quick plunges to dislodge a potential obstruction. Understanding how to use a plunger to stop flooding requires a careful technique.
You should still have some water in the bowl when you slide the plunger over the opening, so don’t scoop it all out. This process creates a tight seal, allowing you to create trap pressure between the plunger and whatever is deep inside, then gradually dislodge it.
5. TRY ANOTHER RESOURCE
If you’ve dealt with toilet flooding or clogs before and want a reliable resource to fix the issue immediately, try a toilet auger. This tool is a more advanced drain snake that reaches deeper into the toilet to clear stubborn clogs and stop toilet backups fast.
WHEN SHOULD YOU CALL A PLUMBER?
Sometimes you can’t figure out how to stop your toilet from flooding, and you could end up with a mold or waste hazard on your hands. If you can’t clear a clog, stop the water flow, or just don’t feel comfortable handling the issue, reach out to Brothers.
One of our professional plumbers will arrive quickly, equipped with modern tools and practical experience to stop the issue in its tracks. We will take steps to stop the overflowing water and get to the root of the problem. Our technicians can replace worn or damaged parts and repair or replace toilets to ensure your home remains safe from future issues.
At Brothers, we offer fast, affordable toilet plumbing services with emergency availability, allowing you to put this messy situation behind you. Call now!
LEARN HOW TO STOP YOUR TOILET FROM FLOODING WITH BROTHERS
We’re happy to teach you how to keep your toilet working year-round through annual maintenance visits and preventive tips. Brothers serves homeowners and business owners across North Carolina and South Carolina.
When you work with us, you can save time and money with options like:
Financing options for those who qualify
Coupons to help you save even more money on essential services
Pro Service Plans for priority service, extra discounts, and regularly scheduled visits
While some toilet problems can be fixed with a little patience and a basic understanding of toilet parts, other issues require a professional eye. Contact Brothers or schedule an appointment with us when your toilet won’t stop flooding, or you need extra assistance with a plumbing concern.