Most of the time, your toilet quickly dispenses of waste. However, there are some circumstances where it may drain slowly or, worse, back up. The following advice from a plumber explains how to address this situation.

Do:

Stop the water.

Once you notice that your toilet isn’t draining correctly, examine the tank. It should contain a water supply tube that helps refill the bowl. In most cases, you will find a shut-off valve attached to this line near your bathroom wall. Turn the lever clockwise to stop the flow of water. 

Inspect other toilets.

Flush other toilets in the house to see if they are experiencing the same issue. If they are all functional, then the issue is likely a clog specific to the affected toilet. However, if multiple bathrooms are experiencing the same problem, you could have a blocked system drain or failing septic field. These larger-scale issues require professional assistance.

Remove the clog.

When it’s just one toilet that’s overflowing, you can usually fix it yourself. Use a plunger to remove any obstructions that have become lodged in the pipes.

If a plunger doesn’t work, try a drain snake. You can find these at most home improvement stores. This device, commonly used by plumbers, should be stuck inside the drain until you encounter the blockage. You then rotate the handle while pushing through the clog until the path is clear. If both tools are unsuccessful, call a plumber for assistance.

Don’t:

Keep flushing the toilet.

While this may seem like the most obvious course of action, it’s counterproductive. Continuing to flush an overflowing toilet—especially if the water valve isn't shut off—will result in more water rushing into the tank. At the same time, the offending waste still has no means of exiting. As a result, the contents may escape the bowl. 

Use liquid drain cleaners.

While, in some cases, these products can eat through a clog, the harsh ingredients also harm plumbing, which can result in early pipe replacements. Additionally, if these efforts are unsuccessful, having standing water containing chemicals is dangerous to one's health.

Leave water on the ground.

If the water does overflow, it needs to be cleaned up as quickly as possible. Chances are it contains waste that has harmful bacteria in it, potentially leading to illness within your household. The standing water can also lead to secondary water damage, such as with your flooring or drywall.

 

If you continue to have problems with your toilet, contact the professional plumbers at Passanisi Services. This family-owned business has been servicing residents of Elyria, OH, for more than 20 years, so they have the experience and tools needed to diagnose the cause of your problem and provide fast and reliable repairs. Schedule an appointment by calling (440) 984-2322. Visit their website for more information about their offerings.