If there were only one thing you should always hope to happen right, it’s that your toilet flushing properly at the right time. Unfortunately, that’s not always the case. Toilets may clog, and even worse, they can overflow. However, it is possible to prevent sewage from spilling on your bathroom tiles, but only when you know how to handle this nightmare. The least you can do to handle this situation is to stay prepared. Read on to find out what to do in case your toilet overflows.
Locate and Stop!
Regardless of the cause, the first and most important action you need to take in case of an overflowing toilet is to stop the water flow into the toilet. And you can do this by merely shutting down the valve which is connected to the main water line coming into your bathroom and the toilet. Usually, this valve is very obvious and is located somewhere close to your toilet. But identifying it may not always be easy. In some cases, the shutoff valve is located behind the walls or under the floor tiles. In that case, you cannot shut down the water supply to the toilet. However, if you know beforehand that such a situation can arise in your bathroom, it is a good idea to discuss it with a professional plumber so that you can have the shutoff valve at a more accessible location.
As soon as you will close the valve, the water supply to the toilet will stop immediately. However, shut off valves that are accessible may not always be easy to turn off. Since this valve is hardly in use, it is common that it may rust or become sticky. This can make it a challenge to shot down the water supply to the toilet.
If you are someone who is being proactive and using this information beforehand, it is a good idea to check your toilet’s shutoff valve. Turn it around a few times once every few weeks so that it is in a running condition. You can also lubricate it so that valve operates freely.
What if You Can’t Access the Shutoff Value
You can't access your shutoff valve, but your toilet is overflowing. What should be the backup plan?
Your second attempt should be within the toilet tank. Very carefully, remove the lid of your toilet tank and set it aside.
Now check the flapper. It is an attached rubber disc that covers a hole that is usually found at the bottom of the tank. If you find that the flapper does not cover the hole, this means it is open and is a source of water supply into the toilet. Manually close it, and this will stop the water flowing into the toilet. In case, the flapper does not stay closed, use a float ball instead. Using a float ball, you can maintain the water level in the tank as it floats on the surface of the water in the tank. This stops the tank from filling up to a certain level and continuously flowing into your toilet.
Clear the Clog
Now that you have already worked out on finding the way to stop the water supply into the toilet, now is the time to get things flowing. You will need to use a plunger that can help you clear the clog. Ideally, you should use a bell-shaped plunger. This type of plunger is specifically designed for toilets and forms a vacuum that helps clear up your toilet.
Make sure the plunger you use is neither too hard nor too soft. A plunger that is too hard will make it challenging to get adequate suction. In case your plunger is hard, you can run it under hot water for a few minutes, and you will notice that the rubber has softened up slightly. A plunger that is too soft is equally ineffective as a stiff plunger.
When using a plunger to clear up the toilet clog, make sure you start slowly. Sudden and strong pressure from the plunger can often cause the waste to flow out of the toilet and spill onto the floor. Also, don’t forget to use a pulling motion. You don’t want to further clog up your toilet by pushing the clog, so rely on a pulling motion.
Check for the Cause
In case the clog in your toilet is a rest of too much toilet paper, and the plunger may not seem to work, then it is best to wait for a while and let the paper sink in and break. Toilet paper usually takes a little longer to break. So if there is too much toilet paper in your toilet, it is best to wait for a few minutes and then flush again.
If That Doesn’t Work – Call a Professional Plumber
Since it is an emergency plumbing situation, trying DIY techniques and waiting for your toilet to unclog on its own is not the best choice. Instead, it is best to call a professional plumber. They have adequate training, experience, and the right equipment, which can help you clear up your toilet in no time.
What Not to Do?
Now that you already know what you need to do in case of clogged toilets, it is equally important to know what not to do.
- Never use commercially available chemical drain openers (which claim to unclog toilets as well)
- Never mix chemicals, cleaning agents, detergents and use them to clear up your toilets. Mixing these chemicals can release fumes, which can be dangerous. Also, these chemicals once in the toilet can be dangerous for your plumbing fixtures including pipes, and even the toilet
The Professional Plumber
If you have an overflowing toilet, immediately contact Mesa Plumbing. We have the right people to diagnose and treat any plumbing emergency in no time. Whether you have a clogged drain or an overflowing toilet, our professional plumbers can help fix your plumbing emergency as soon as possible. To know more about services or to schedule an appointment, call now at 480-832-1660.