An overflowing toilet is a household emergency that can produce immediate stress, not to mention structural damage. This messy situation is something you need to prepare for. When you notice water levels starting to rise inside your toilet bowl, take immediate action to control the situation. Then, call our team at Goode Plumbing. We can assist with diagnosing toilet and plumbing problems and performing prompt repairs to minimize damage.
Stopping Rising Water
The first step you want to take when your toilet overflows is to shut off the water that’s heading for it. Keeping water from coming into your toilet tank will prevent the bowl from filling up any more than it already has. You should be able to find a water shutoff valve near or behind your toilet. Usually, this valve is on the wall or the floor. Turn the valve clockwise to stop water from flowing into the tank. It’s a good idea to know where to find this valve before a toilet emergency strikes. Periodically test the valve to ensure it works and isn’t stuck in the open position.
If your shutoff valve gets stuck in the middle of an emergency plumbing situation, lift the lid off the toilet tank. If you hold up the float, it will stop the tank from refilling with water. Pushing the flapper valve closed can also stop or slow the flow of water into the bowl. The flapper valve is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. You’ll need to reach into the tank to move it.
Cleaning Up the Mess
If you can get the water to stop rising but some has already leaked out, you’ll need to do your best to contain the mess. Even a small amount of water can quickly seep underneath flooring, cabinets, and behind walls. Use rags or towels to absorb moisture. For a large amount of water, use a wet/dry shop vacuum or a mop.
You’ll want to clean and sanitize the area once you’ve cleaned up the water. If you’re lucky, this won’t be water that is backing up from your sewer system. Rather, it’s clean water that’s simply flowing through your toilet.
Addressing Toilet Clogs
A common reason toilets overflow is the presence of clogs. Debris and waste material can prevent normal flow through your drainage system. Water will have nowhere to go, so it will back up. You can try using a plunger for a minor toilet clog. Use a flange plunger, which uses an extra rubber flap to create a strong seal.
If attempting to plunge the clog doesn’t work after several tries, it’s time to call a professional for assistance. We can use safe tools, such as a toilet auger, to break apart hard-to-reach clogs without causing damage.
Avoid using chemical drain cleaners to remove clogs. These products can damage your plumbing system. They’re also harmful to your health due to the chemicals they contain.
Fill Valve Failure
There is a fill valve mechanism inside your toilet that allows water to flow back into the toilet after you flush. The fill valve will sense when the water level is high enough and then turn off the flow of water. When this valve fails, it can cause water levels to continue rising.
Common signs of a fill valve issue include a tank that refills slowly, constantly running water, vibrations causing abnormal whistling or humming sounds, or water overflowing. It’s ideal to have a professional address potential fill valve problems before they get worse and turn into a full-blown emergency. However, unexpected problems can develop despite ongoing routine inspections and maintenance. When you call in a professional, you can minimize the extent of the problem. Replacement of a fill valve is a simple and affordable task.
Call Goode Plumbing for Repairs
Goode Plumbing is the company to call if you’re in need of professional plumbing assistance in the greater Chicago area. When your toilet starts to overflow, use the steps mentioned above to gain control of the situation. Then, leave the rest to us. Our team offers a full suite of bathroom plumbing services, as well as emergency plumbing services, so we are here for you 24/7 to help with urgent situations. We also perform routine maintenance, such as drain cleaning, to keep clogs at bay.
Contact us today to schedule an appointment or find out more about our services for homes in Chicagoland.
