What to Do if Your Toilet is About to Overflow
It’s one of those panic-inducing moments! You flush the toilet, but instead of everything going down, the water starts rising... and rising. Before it spills over the edge, don’t panic. Acting quickly and calmly can prevent a mess and possible water damage. So, here are some helpful steps to follow if your toilet is about to overflow.
1. Stop the Water Flow
The first thing you need to do is stop more water from entering the toilet bowl. Quickly remove the lid from the toilet tank (the rectangular box behind the seat). Inside, you’ll see a float (this could be a ball or a cup) that rises with the water level. Gently lift the float with your hand, which will stop the water from rising.
2. Turn Off the Water Supply
Next, find the toilet’s shutoff valve. It’s typically located behind or beside the toilet near the floor, connected to a pipe that leads to the tank. Turn the valve clockwise to close it. This will stop any water from flowing into the tank and toilet bowl.
3. Prevent the Bowl from Overflowing
If the bowl is still dangerously full, don’t flush the toilet again (as tempting as it might be!). Instead, grab a plunger and try to gently plunge the toilet. Start slowly to avoid splashing, then build up more force to dislodge the clog. A good quality flange plunger (with a narrow extension on the end) works best for toilets because it creates a better seal.
4. When to Call a Plumber
If these steps don't fix the issue, or if you're noticing other drains in your home backing up, you might be facing a more serious plumbing problem. If you aren’t certain, it’s best to enlist the advice of a professional before a small issue becomes a big problem!
Reach out to the Action team to come and have a look to ensure your plumbing system is running efficiently. We have the expertise and tools necessary to diagnose the issue accurately and can offer effective solutions, ensuring your home's plumbing functions smoothly, helping avoid costly issues.
Don’t wait until it’s too late! Take care of those pesky plumbing issues today.
Additional Tips
Always keep a toilet plunger handy in your bathroom.
Regularly check your shutoff valve to ensure it’s working.
Keep the toilet seat closed to avoid unwanted objects from falling in.
Avoid flushing items like wipes, paper towels, or feminine products. (Remember, there’s no such thing as flushable wipes, regardless of what a package may say!)
Don’t use excessive toilet paper, which is a common clog culprit.
Fix toilet leaks immediately.
Toilet overflows can be overwhelming, but staying composed and following the right steps can help you avoid a bigger mess. Being prepared can save you valuable time, money, and the hassle of a major clean-up.
If you ever find yourself in an emergency, or a situation you aren’t sure how to handle, don’t hesitate to contact the Action Plumbing team. We’re here help you address your plumbing needs quickly and effectively!