If your toilet overflows onto the floor, it can be a big mess and a headache.
Go through this blog to handle the overflow.
Learn how to prevent it from happening again.
Key Takeaways
- Take a deep breath and check how much water is on the floor.
- Turn the valve to the right to stop the water flow.
- Push the auger down the drain until you hit the blockage, then turn it to break it up.
- If plunging and the auger doesn’t work, use a toilet-safe chemical cleaner.
- Clean up the water quickly to reduce the risk of damage and mold.
- Focus on areas that were directly touched by the water.
- Avoid flushing wipes, paper towels, or sanitary products, as they can block the pipes.
Quick Actions To Take If Your Toilet Overflows
When your toilet overflows, it can be messy and stressful.
Taking quick and correct actions can help lessen the damage.
Here’s what you need to do:
1. Remain Calm And Assess The Situation
It’s important to stay calm so you can handle the situation effectively.
Take a deep breath and look at how much water is on the floor.
Determine if the overflow is a small spill or if there’s a large amount of water.
2. Shut Off The Water Supply
Find the shutoff valve, which is usually located behind the toilet, near the floor.
It may be a small lever or knob.
Turn the valve clockwise to stop the flow of water.
This prevents more water from overflowing and helps you control the situation.
3. Manage The Overflow
There are several ways to manage the overflow and effectively deal with a clogged toilet.
A. Using A Plunger
Let’s start with a plunger.
Place the rubber part over the toilet drain, push down firmly, then pull up quickly.
Repeat this motion several times to try and clear the clog.
Make sure the plunger is fully drowned in water to create a good seal.
B. Using A Toilet Auger (Flexible Drill)
If the plunger doesn’t work, try using a toilet auger.
Insert the drill into the toilet bowl and turn the handle to break the clog.
Push the auger down the drain until you feel refusal, then turn it to break up the blockage.
C. Alternative Methods
If plunging and using an auger don’t work, you might consider using a toilet-safe chemical cleaner.
Be careful and follow the instructions on the product label to avoid damaging the toilet and harming yourself.
4. Clean Up
Use towels, mops, or a vacuum to soak up and remove the water from the floor.
The faster you clean up the water, the less chance of water damage or mold growth.
After removing the water, clean the affected area with a household cleaner.
This will help kill germs and prevent mold and bacteria from growing.
Pay extra attention to areas that were in direct contact with the water.
5. Inspect For Damage
Look for any signs of water damage, such as warping or stains on the floor and walls.
Water damage can lead to more serious issues like mold, so it’s important to address it promptly.
Check other bathroom fixtures, such as the sink areas, to make sure they weren’t affected by the overflow.
Look for any signs of damage or water display.
When To Call A Professional
Sometimes, you may need help from a professional plumber.
If your toilet keeps overflowing or having issues even after you’ve tried to fix it, it’s a good idea to call a plumber.
This might mean the issue is more serious than a clog or requires more than DIY fixes.
Calling a plumber makes sure that tough problems are fixed properly.
It helps prevent more damage and gets your plumbing working well again.
Contact us today at OP Plumbing Hub for excellent services.
3 Prevention Tips For Toilet OverFlows
To avoid future toilet overflows, here are three easy tips to keep things running smoothly:
1. Regular Maintenance
Regularly check parts of your toilet.
Especially the flapper (the piece that seals the tank) and the fill valve (the part that refills the tank).
Look for any signs of wear and problems.
Have a plumber check your plumbing system regularly.
It helps to catch any issues early and keep everything in good shape.
2. Proper Usage
Only flush toilet paper and human waste.
Don’t flush wipes, paper towels, or sanitary products, as they can clog the pipes.
Make sure everyone in your home knows what can and cannot be flushed to prevent blockages.
3. Upgrading Fixtures
If you have ongoing problems, upgrading your pipes or other fixtures might help.
Newer toilets often work better and are less likely to clog.
Consider upgrading if your toilet is old or has frequent issues.
Talk to a plumber to see if this could be a good option for you.
Conclusion
This article discusses steps to take if your toilet overflows onto the floor.
When to call a pro and prevention tips have also been discussed. Contact us today at OP PLumbing Hub if you want expert services.