No homeowner wants to encounter an overflowing toilet because it can get messy. Acting quickly minimizes the extent of the problem and limits the effects it can have on your home and health. While you wait for a plumber to come and repair the toilet, use the following tips to protect your bathroom.

4 Steps to Take When Your Toilet Overflows

1. Stop the Flow

Watching a toilet overflow can feel overwhelming because the water rises quickly, and it's hard to tell when it will stop. First, look for the water shut-off valve, which, in most newer models, runs from the wall into the toilet.

For older toilets, you might need to open the tank lid, lift the float ball, and keep it propped up to prevent the tank from filling. If that doesn’t work, shut off the water supply to the house until the plumber arrives.

2. Remove Water

Even if you move quickly, water may escape the bowl and spill onto your bathroom floor. Spread thick towels over the floor to soak up the moisture. For a larger overflow, you might need to use a water vacuum. Act quickly because even a small spill can cause permanent damage to your bathroom and leaks that affect other parts of the home.

3. Disinfect 

Once the area is dry, throw drenched bathmats and towels in the washing machine or a bag for washing. Then get out your disinfecting supplies to clean the area. Toilets are full of harmful bacteria that you don't want spreading over your bathroom or escaping into other rooms. Your plumber will also appreciate a clean, dry surface on which to work.

4. Consider the Cause

You might be tempted to take matters into your own hands and plunge the toilet. But plunging doesn’t always do the trick. Often, an overflowing toilet might be a sign of a larger sewer line problem, a blocked vent, or a number of other issues your plumber will diagnose.

As you wait for their arrival, ask yourself about possible sources of the problem. Could someone have flushed non-flushable items? When was the last time you updated your toilet? Leave it to the professionals to fix your toilet problem, but be ready with answers.

 

When you run into toilet troubles, rely on A-1 Budget Plumbing in Kailua, HI, for fast and affordable service. For more than 20 years, their experts have offered emergency and everyday plumbing services, including drain cleaning and water heater installation. Call them today at (808) 526-3747 to make an appointment, and visit their website for more information on their plumbing solutions.