How to Fix and Overflowing Toilet

11/29/2022 (Permalink)

A toilet overflow can sometimes happen without any reason. It can be a minor issue that may not require the help of a water cleanup service.

Toilet overflow is a common problem that plagues many homeowners. To understand what's causing the issue, let's start with the basics of how toilets work. When you flush your toilet, water from your tank fills up and creates pressure to push waste out through the drainpipe. If too much waste gets flushed at once, or if there are any clogs in the pipes, then it can cause water to flow over into the bowl and fill up slowly into the brim. In worst-case scenarios, this can cause a mess all over your bathroom floor, especially during a storm. When this happens, a professional cleanup service would be necessary to remove all the water and dry out any possible damage. 

Why did my toilet overflow on its own?

In some cases, your toilet may overflow on its own. For no reason at all, a toilet overflow can happen even if not flushed. This could happen when there is extreme pressure from the water outside your tank, such as during a storm. If there is too much pressure in your pipes and no way for it to escape, then it can cause water to shoot out of your toilet and fill up the bowl. 

How can you fix a toilet overflow?

There are several ways to fix a toilet overflow which you can do on your own or with the help of a professional. 

Use a plunger.

In some cases, a water cleanup service may not be required if it is only a minor issue. A standard plunger can be used to try and clear the blockage. First, remove as much water from your toilet bowl until it is just a few inches deep. Put the plunger into the toilet and push it up and down a few times to create suction. This should clear the blockage and get rid of any water in your bowl.

Use a toilet auger or a toilet snake.

A toilet auger, sometimes called a toilet snake, is a long, flexible cable that is inserted into the toilet to push through any blockages. These can be purchased from most hardware stores and are relatively inexpensive. Place the hook end of the toilet auger into the toilet bowl and push through to try and clear any blockages. 

Contact an emergency plumber.

If your toilet overflow is severe, then you may need the help of a professional to fix it. This will be especially true if there are any damages to your toilet such as cracks or leaks. Contacting an emergency plumber will save you time and money in the long run. A professional can have your toilet fixed quickly and efficiently, ensuring that any damages are repaired to prevent future problems.

Conclusion

A toilet overflow can sometimes happen without any reason. It can be a minor issue that may not require the help of a water cleanup service, but you should still have it checked just in case there are underlying issues to prevent further problems in the future.