Did you know that home water damage emergencies affect around 14,000 people every day?
Overflowing toilets can cause panic as water spreads rapidly throughout the property. When you have a toilet overflow emergency, you need to act fast to protect your home from lasting water damage.
We’ve put together this helpful guide to show you how to stop an overflowing toilet fast and save on costly repair bills.
Read on for everything you need to know.
Act Fast to Isolate the Toilet
You’re about to leave the washroom when you hear the distinctive, unwelcome sound of water splashing on the floor. Looking back, you notice your toilet is overflowing!
Immediately turn off the water supply using the valve behind the toilet. If you can’t find the isolation valve, remove the tank’s lid and lift the ball float high enough to stop the water flow. Then, using the mains valve near the water heater, turn off your home’s water supply.
Identify the Source
If overflow continues after the water supply has been turned off, you could be dealing with a sewage line backup. This is a serious scenario that requires a professional sewer repair contractor to set it right.
If you have a municipal sewage system, they can check to see if the problem is on your property or something you should report to the city. If your property has a septic tank, you’ll need to hire a plumbing firm to flush it out.
Hopefully, though, the toilet will overflow once you isolate its water supply. With the immediate problem dealt with, you can try out the following overflowing toilet fixes:
Plunge Your Toilet
Is your toilet clogged? Blockages are the most common cause of overflowing toilets. By clearing a clogged toilet, you can often fix the issue in a matter of minutes.
The conventional plunger is your first line of defense against toilet blockages. If you don’t already have one, get a plunger with a cup that extends into the toilet’s drain hole, forming an airtight seal that will effectively dislodge the clog.
Snake the Drain
If a plunger does not work, the next step is to buy a toilet snake. This flexible cable is made to negotiate the toilet drain’s twists and turns. The cable, which is encased in rubber, has a lever at one end and a coiled hook at the other, which can dislodge clogs deep inside the drain.
Once you’re sure the blockage has been dealt with, flush your toilet and turn the water supply back on.
Overflowing Toilets: What You Need to Know
So, that’s our guide on how to deal with overflowing toilets. Knowing what to do when your toilet overflows means you can act fast and prevent costly home repair bills.
Did you find this article helpful? If so, be sure to check out the rest of our blog for other informative articles on a wide range of topics.