The odds are that you will have to deal with an overflowing toilet at some point during your time as a homeowner. But when it happens, you don’t have to experience the flood of panic that most people feel when the water in the toilet bowl begins to rise rather than flush. Instead of panicking, you can assess the situation with confidence because you know exactly which steps you need to take to resolve the problem and prevent costly water damage.
Below, our plumbers cover how to manage an overflowing toilet, providing you with a clear, step-by-step guide so that you can take control of the situation.
Step 1: Immediately Stop the Flow of Water
Before you can address the clog, your absolute first priority is to stop your overflowing toilet.
Lift the lid off the tank and look for the flapper, which is the round rubber or plastic piece at the bottom of the tank. The flapper is what releases water from the tank into the bowl when you flush. Simply press down firmly on the flapper to create a seal over the drain hole. This will immediately stop more water from entering the bowl. You may need to hold it down until the tank’s fill valve shuts off.
Once you’ve stopped the immediate gush of water with the flapper, locate the water supply valve. This is typically a small, oval-shaped metal handle located on the wall behind the toilet, connected to a small pipe or hose that runs to the bottom of the toilet tank. To shut off the water, turn this valve clockwise — and when in doubt, remember the saying “righty-tighty, lefty-loosy.” Turn the valve until it stops. This action cuts off the water supply to the toilet entirely, giving you the time and space to work on the problem without the threat of more water. If the valve is stuck from lack of use, try wiggling it gently or using a cloth for a better grip, but be careful not to apply excessive force that could break it.
Step 2: Clean Up the Water & Prepare for Clearing the Clog
Now that you’ve successfully managed to stop an overflowing toilet, the next step is damage control. Even if only a small amount of water has spilled, it’s crucial to contain it to prevent it from seeping into the flooring, subfloor, or walls.
Contain the Spill
Quickly lay down old towels, newspapers, or rags around the base of the toilet to soak up any water that has already escaped. Create a dam-like barrier to prevent the water from spreading further across the bathroom.
If the overflow is significant, you may need to use buckets to bail some water out of the toilet bowl and into a separate, functioning drain, like a bathtub or a utility sink. Be careful to only remove enough water to prevent further spillage. You will want some water in the bowl to help with the plunging process later.
Ensure Ventilation
Open any windows and turn on the bathroom’s exhaust fan. This will help to circulate air and begin the process of drying out the area, which is vital for preventing the growth of mold and mildew. Good ventilation also helps to dissipate any unpleasant odors.
Step 3: Identify the Source of the Clog
With the immediate crisis averted, it’s time to play detective. Understanding why you have an overflowing toilet can help you choose the right tool for the job. Most overflows are caused by a simple clog in the toilet’s trap or further down the drain line. The most frequent cause is a combination of too much toilet paper and human waste. However, many overflows are caused by flushing items that should never be flushed. These non-flushable items are a plumber’s worst nightmare and a homeowner’s biggest headache. They include:
- “Flushable” Wipes: Despite their name, these wipes do not break down in water the way toilet paper does and are a primary cause of major clogs and sewer backups.
- Feminine Hygiene Products: Tampons and pads are designed to be absorbent and expand in water, making them a guaranteed recipe for a clog.
- Paper Towels and Tissues: These are not designed to disintegrate quickly in water like toilet paper.
- Cotton Balls and Q-tips: These items clump together and can easily get caught in the drain.
- Dental Floss: It can wrap around other debris, creating a net that catches everything else.
- Children’s Toys: A curious toddler can easily decide a small toy needs to go for a swim.
If you suspect a hard object is the cause of your toilet clog, do not proceed with plunging, as you could wedge it more firmly in place. Instead, you may need to try and retrieve it by hand (wearing rubber gloves, of course). If you can’t see or reach it, call a professional plumber right away.
Step 4: Attempt to Clear the Clog With a Plunger
For the average clogs, a plunger is your best friend. However, not all plungers are created equal. For example, the cup-style sink plunger is not effective for toilets. You need a flange plunger, which has a bell shape with an extra flap of rubber (the flange) that extends from the bottom. This flange is designed to fit snugly into the toilet’s drain opening, creating the necessary suction to dislodge clogs.
Once you have the right plunger in hand, here’s how to properly plunge an overflowing toilet:
- Ensure a Good Seal: Place the plunger in the bowl and make sure the flange is fully inserted into the drain hole. The bell should be completely submerged in water to work effectively. If you’ve bailed too much water out, you may need to add some back into the bowl from a sink or tub.
- Gently Press Down the Plunger: The first push should be gentle. This is to force the air out of the plunger’s bell without causing a messy splashback.
- Now, Vigorously Plunge: After the initial push, begin plunging vigorously in and out, maintaining the seal. The force of the water being pushed and pulled should be enough to break up the clog. Be persistent; it may take 15-20 good plunges to see results.
- Check Your Work: After a round of plunging, flush the toilet. If the water drains normally, you’ve successfully cleared the clog. If the bowl starts to fill up again, immediately stop the water flow by closing the flapper before trying to plunge again. Knowing when to stop and restart the process is a key part of what to do when your toilet is overflowing.
Step 5: Clean and Sanitize the Area
Once the clog is cleared and your toilet is functioning properly, the final step is a thorough cleanup. The water from an overflowing toilet, especially one with a clog of human waste, is considered “black water” and can contain harmful bacteria.
Put on a pair of rubber gloves and protective eyewear. Use a disinfectant cleaner and paper towels or a dedicated cleaning cloth to wipe down the exterior of the toilet, the floor, and any affected walls or vanity cabinets. Be meticulous. Make sure to clean every surface the water may have touched.
Once you’re done cleaning up the bathroom, all the towels and rags you used for the cleanup process should be washed immediately in hot water with bleach or a sanitizing laundry detergent to kill any lingering germs.
When Is It Time to Call a Plumber for an Overflowing Toilet?
While many cases of an overflowing toilet can be resolved with a plunger, there are situations where you need to throw in the towel and call for professional help:
- If you’ve tried plunging repeatedly with no success, the clog may be too severe or too far down the drain line for a plunger to reach.
- If you think a toy or other solid object is the culprit and you can’t retrieve it, a plumber has specialized tools, like a toilet auger (or drain snake) and sewer cameras, to find and remove it without damaging your pipes.
- If your toilet is overflowing and you notice that your shower or sinks are also draining slowly or backing up, this is a major red flag. It likely indicates a clog in your main sewer line, which is a serious problem that requires immediate professional drain cleaning.
- If you find yourself dealing with an overflowing toilet on a regular basis, there may be an underlying issue with your plumbing, your sewer line (such as tree root intrusion), or your venting system.
In these instances, continuing to try and fix a major problem on your own could lead to more significant damage and higher repair costs. Our team at Saffer Plumbing has the expertise and the right equipment to diagnose the root cause of your overflowing toilet and fix it for good. We can clear any clog, inspect your sewer lines, and provide the lasting solutions you need to prevent future floods and give you peace of mind.
Is an Overflowing Toilet Ruining Your Day? Call Saffer Plumbing!
If you’ve tried these steps and are still facing a stubborn backup, or if you simply want a professional to handle it from the start, reach out to Saffer Plumbing. We’re here to help you with fast, reliable, and effective bathroom plumbing services, including toilet repairs and hydro-jetting!