It’s a situation no homeowner wants to face: dealing with a toilet overflow. The problem likely won’t arise often. But if too much pressure builds up from too much use or another factor, it can overwhelm your system and cause issues.
Sure, you could call a plumber every time your toilet malfunctions, but that can be expensive. Fortunately, there are some things you can do on your own to fix the problem. And there are also some tips to prevent it from happening again.
If that’s a situation you find yourself in, here’s what you need to know.
Prepare to Deal With the Emergency
When dealing with a toilet overflow, it is important to take action right away to stop the spread of any damage or contamination. Preparing to deal with an emergency requires having the right equipment and cleaning supplies.
So stock your toolbox or cabinet with a plunger, gasket or wax ring, and a plumber’s putty. You should also have a silicone caulk, a pipe wrench, a hacksaw, pliers, and rubber gloves. If necessary, purchase a new toilet bowl or components to replace broken or worn parts.
Shut off the Water Supply
If a toilet overflows, the most important thing to do is shut off the water supply. You can do this by switching off the water valve located near the base of the toilet. Simply turn the lever clockwise to shut off the water supply.
Sometimes, it may be necessary to turn the water off from the main valve connected to the entire house. For this, locate the main water valve and switch off the lever handle attached to it.
Clear the Blockage From the Toilet
With the water shut off, put gloves on your hands, and using a plunger, try to unblock the toilet. If the plunger does not still work, you may need to turn off the water. Then, you may need to use a toilet snake to dislodge or break up the obstruction in the toilet.
Once the blockage is broken up, you can flush the toilet multiple times until the water levels lower. If the water levels are still high, you may need to call in a professional plumber. You may need help from plumbers like people in County Action Restoration to help clear the blockage.
Dispose of Overflow Water
It’s important to switch off electricity near the water, as even a small amount of water could cause a dangerous situation. If there is any furniture or belongings nearby, move them away from the water.
Wear rubber gloves and use thick towels to reduce the water damage, soak up as much of the overflow water as possible. Dispose of the overflow water in an outside drain, away from sheltered areas where the water could build up. Scoop solid materials out of the overflow water, if necessary, and place them in a sealed bag.
If the overflow water has soaked through the floor coverings, use a wet vacuum cleaner to remove it. If in doubt about the proper disposal of each material, contact a professional services provider for assistance. Finally, treat the affected area with a specialized disinfectant and leave it to dry.
Contact Professional Plumbers for Help
If you’re no longer able to contain the damage, the best thing to do is to contact a professional plumber for help as soon as possible. Once the professional plumber arrives, they will be able to pinpoint the cause of the overflow and recommend a solution.
They might elect to completely replace the toilet, or just perform a few simple repairs. As soon as the plumber resolves the issue, you can then turn the water back on to ensure that your toilet functions properly. The sooner you contact a professional plumber, the more quickly your toilet overflow will be fixed.
Tips to Prevent and Manage Toilet Overflows
Now that you know what to do in the event of a bathroom flood, you start being proactive. This means that you should follow the tips below to prevent a backed up toilet in the future.
Regularly Check the Condition of the Toilet Flange and Wax Ring
Regularly checking the condition of the toilet flange and wax ring is an essential part of preventing a future toilet clog. The flange is a collar at the base of the toilet that secures it to the floor. Over time, it can become damaged or corroded due to heat, water, or age.
The wax ring creates a seal between the toilet and the drainpipe. It can crack or break due to normal wear and tear. If these components are not in good shape, they can cause the toilet to leak.
To ensure that the flange and wax ring are functioning properly, you should inspect them regularly. This will ensure they are secure and free of any leaks.
Make Sure the Toilet Handle Is Operating Properly
To prevent future overflows, it is important to make sure the toilet handle is operating properly. Check the flapper valve at the base of the tank to ensure it’s opening and closing as it should. If it sticks open, replace it.
Additionally, look inside for bent or broken components, and make sure the chain connecting the handle and flapper valve is not kinked. If it is, replace it.
Remove Any Foreign Objects From the Toilet Bowl
One of the most important steps to take is to remove any foreign objects from the toilet bowl. It is best to check before flushing anything. This is because items like sanitary products, cotton balls, floss, or paper towels can become lodged in the pipes and cause a sewer backup.
Checking each time you flush can help prevent plunging and possible overflows. It is also a good idea to keep any kind of waste that should not go down the toilet, such as food scraps, out of the bathroom. This will help keep everything in place and stop any added debris from entering the pipe.
Follow Our Guide on How to Deal With a Toilet Overflow
The key takeaway from dealing with a toilet overflow is to keep calm and act quickly. Shut off the water to prevent further damage and then call a professional plumber so that the issue can be fixed without further damage. With the right tools and timely action, it will be a quick and easy fix!
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