What Should I Do If My Toilet is Overflowing?

Overflows happen. It’s important to know what to do if your toilet overflows and how to avoid this from happening again. Howell Services is here to help you get you through an overflow. 

You definitely want to prevent sewage from ending up on your bathroom floor. There are several steps you can take to stop the flow and figure out the reason for the problem.

Stop the Flow of Water

Of course, the first thing you want to do is stop the water to stop your bathroom from being damaged. This can be done in three ways:

1. Close the Flapper Inside the Toilet Tank  

The flapper is a hinged rubber disc that covers the opening at the bottom of the tank that lets water into the toilet bowl. Simply remove the lid from the tank and press down on the flapper valve, stopping water from flowing into the toilet bowl.

2. Lift the Float Inside the Toilet Tank 

If the flapper is not stopping the water from flowing, it’s time to turn to the float.  Your tank will have a ball float or cup float. This is what dictates the amount of water entering the tank. It floats right on the surface of the water. 

You’ll manually lift the float operating the tank fill valve to stop your tank from filling up. Keep those held in place for a minute to cut off the water supply.  This will also give the water a chance to level off and return to normal.

3. Turn off The Water at the Valve 

If the water level keeps rising, turn off the water valve behind the base of the toilet. If you can’t turn it off in this area, turn off the main water supply to your home.

If your overflow has not ceased, it’s time to call Howell Services for Emergency Drain Clearing.

Plunge the Toilet

When you have the water turned off, it’s now time to plunge the toilet to clear the clog. Make sure you have a flange on the bottom of the plunger so that you can create a tight seal. You must extract some water from the bowl to avoid getting more water on the floor. Place towels around the base of the toilet just in case you do have a small amount of water sloshing while you are plunging.

• Put your flange plunger in the bowl with the head of the plunger covered by the water.
• Vigorously pump the head of the plunger up and down. The water level should begin to go down.
• Flush the toilet when the water level is down enough so that the plunger head isn’t covered in water.
• Repeat the two previous steps until your toilet is working again.

For a better idea of this process, click here to watch a short video. Once you’ve handled the clog, clean and disinfect your bathroom floor.

Preventing Overflows in the Future

Avoid putting anything into the toilet that isn’t human waste and toilet paper. Ignore the “flushable” claims on other products.

What Should Not Be Flushed:

• Kitty litter
• Tampons 
• Baby and Adult Wipes
• Diapers
• Radioactive or Corrosive Chemicals
• Garbage Waste or Things Made from Solid Materials 
• Fats, Oils, and Grease
• Napkins or Paper Towels

What You Should Avoid When You Have an Overflow

• Don’t flush the toilet until the clog is cleared.
• Don’t use chemicals or foreign objects in the toilet.
• Don’t remove pipes.

If your overflow has been resolved, go ahead, and clean up the water on your floor. It’s a good idea to give Howell Services a call as you may have a drain or pipe clog.  You may also have a toilet that needs repair or replacement.

If you are unable to stop your overflow or if your toilet repeatedly overflows, you may be dealing with a sewage backup.  Call Howell Services now for emergency toilet repair service! We have been servicing the Sugar Land, Katy, and surrounding areas for years and are licensed, bonded, and fully insured. 

Our work is backed by quality workmanship and a satisfaction guarantee. Our licensed plumbing professionals are experts and will come out for emergency repairs 24/7, 365 days a year to help resolve your plumbing situation and mitigate your damages.  

Call us now at 281-232-5292!