What to Do If Your Toilet Overflows

What do you do when your toilet overflows? It's a question that most people never have to answer, and many would prefer not to. But if you find yourself faced with this problem—whether it's in your own home or a commercial space—you need to know how to handle the situation quickly and efficiently. Luckily, Leak Detection of Atlanta is here to help. With our plumbing service, we can get your bathroom back to normal in no time.

Shut Off Your Water Supply

If you are experiencing a toilet overflow, you should shut off your water supply. To do this, turn the water valve under the sink to the left until it stops. Then, turn on the faucet and allow any remaining water to drain from the tank. You may also want to call a qualified plumber to investigate whether your toilet is clogged or if there's a sewer backup.

Is Your Toilet Clogged?

Toilets are designed to overflow when they are clogged, so don’t panic if this happens. First, pull the tank lever to see if the water is backing up. If it is not, the problem may be in the toilet bowl itself. If it is, you need to plunge or snake the drain.

Plunge the Clog

If you have a plunger on hand, plunge with force into the water in the toilet bowl to dislodge any blockage. This can clear most clogs in a few attempts. Do not use anything that could scratch your toilet bowl, as this will only make matters worse and cost you more money!

Snake the Drain

If plunging does not fix your clog, you may need to snake your drain. Snaking is often used when plunging does not work because it can reach further than plunging alone and remove more debris from your pipes.

Toilet Base Problem

If your toilet is overflowing with water, but not with waste, you may have a leak at the base of your toilet or in the wax ring around it. Call a trusted plumber if you think this is the case.

Fill Valve Inlet

If your toilet fills and quickly overflows from the tank into the bowl but not all over the floor, there could be a problem with your fill valve inlet. If so, replace it with a new one that matches the old one's specifications and install it according to the manufacturer's instructions.

Sewer Backup

If your toilet is overflowing, you may have a sewer backup. Toilets are connected to the sewer system, so if there is a problem with the sewer line, it can make your toilet overflow.

Sewer backups usually happen when heavy rainwater mixes with sewage. If this happens in your home, it can be dangerous and embarrassing.

Leak Detection of Atlanta

If your toilet overflows, you've probably already been stressed out about it. But there's something you can do about it—and we can help!

We're Leak Detection of Atlanta, and here to help you resolve any issues with your plumbing. Our technicians are trained in all aspects of plumbing, including how to fix an overflowing toilet. We know how stressful it can be when your toilet overflows, but don't worry: we've got your back.

If your toilet has overflowed and is causing damage to your home or property, call us we'll be happy to schedule an emergency plumber for your toilet overflow needs.