An overflowing toilet is often a chaotic moment of panic, and your first and most immediate concern is stopping water from overflowing the bowl and spilling all over onto the floor. Ideally, by following the simple steps in this guide, you can quickly resolve the problem before any serious damage happens.
The Steps
First, locate the toilet’s shut-off valve on the water line where it exits the wall behind the toilet and quickly turn the handle to shut off the water supply. If the valve doesn't turn or is broken, you'll need to go to the main water valve to the home and shut it off. This will stop water from flowing into the plumbing system throughout the entire house.
Once the water is turned off, it's time to work on getting the toilet to drain again. The first option is to place a plunger into the outlet of the toilet bowl and, with steady pressure, pump the plunger back and forth in the bowl to create suction. Hopefully, this will dislodge any clog-causing solids or force water through the clog, clearing the blockage.
If continuously plunging doesn't remove the clog, then a manual toilet auger may be required. Place the toilet auger in the outlet of the toilet bowl and begin turning the handle. Slowly feed the spinning auger through the toilet and into the drain. This is designed to break apart any clog or displace any other material blocking the drain.
Once the clog has been cleared, reopen the house's main water valve. Now, slowly open the water supply to the toilet and let it fill to its normal position before automatically shutting off. Flush the toilet and make sure the water in the bowl flushes at the normal pace and the flushing power is the same as before it clogged. You may need to use the hand auger again to ensure any missed debris will not cause another drain line clog. If you were able to clear the blockage with a plunger, it's a good idea to flush the toilet several more times to be sure the toilet is fully operational.
Unfortunately, if the clog persists, you may need to consider consulting a plumber to diagnose and correct a more serious issue.
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If you've gotten through a toilet overflow and need to do a little cleanup, we have the hand sanitizers and bathroom cleaners to help you freshen things up.
Product Compliance and Suitability
The product statements contained in this guide are intended for general informational purposes only. Such product statements do not constitute a product recommendation or representation as to the appropriateness, accuracy, completeness, correctness or currentness of the information provided. Information provided in this guide does not replace the use by you of any manufacturer instructions, technical product manual, or other professional resource or adviser available to you. Always read, understand and follow all manufacturer instructions.