Watching as the water in your toilet slowly rises to the brim can cause a lot of anxiety, but knowing how to handle an overflowing toilet leaves you equipped to manage the tense situation. Everyone has had a clogged or backed-up toilet at some point or another. Unfortunately, most people don’t know what to do when the dirty water starts to overflow.
Here are a few helpful tips until we can properly assist you if this were to happen to you:
Close the flapper inside the toilet tank.
Remove the lid to your toilet tank and look inside. At the base of the tank, you’ll see what is called a flapper that covers the opening into the toilet bowl. By pushing the flapper down inside the tank will stop the water from exiting the tank and entering the bowl.
Lift the float inside the toilet tank.
The float at the top of the toilet tank controls the flow of water into the tank. Lifting the float shuts off the water.
Turn off the water valve at the base of the toilet.
Water flow to the toilet is controlled by a valve usually found by the base of the toilet coming out from the wall. By turning off the valve it turns off the water flowing into the toilet. Be careful when you do this. Because, valves tend to be difficult to turn if they have not been used or replaced in a long time.
Once the water is turned off, you might find yourself standing with your hand inside your toilet tank wondering what to do next. Never fear: the water inside the toilet bowl in most cases will likely slowly start to go down. If not at least water is no longer able to enter the bowl making it worse.
Plunge the Toilet
Let’s admit it, plungers are not the most decorative item to have but did you know there are different types of plungers; such as sink plungers and toilet plungers? So make sure you have the right type in your bathroom before this possibly happens to you. Try to get the sewer water down if it is not already slowly draining and if your toilet is still clogged after you have plunged it, it’s time to call the experts.
Warning: The recurring overflow of sewer water at any fixture indicates a sewer line break. Do not handle or live in an area contaminated with sewage.
Call ABC Plumbing at 817-427-3222 or fill out a contact form here. We can provide you with a free onsite estimate and offer emergency services!
