Post By Admin
January 15, 2025An overflowing toilet—just the thought of it might send chills down your spine, right? It’s messy, disgusting, and has a way of turning a perfectly peaceful day into pure chaos. But don’t worry, you’re not alone in this plumbing nightmare!
As a trusted plumbing service in Melbourne, we’re here to save the day with expert tips and a step-by-step guide to tackle this situation head-on.
Stick around, and by the time you’re done reading, you’ll feel ready to flush those frustrations away!
Common Causes Behind an Overflowing Toilet
Before getting further into how to fix the problem, let’s take a closer look at the common culprits behind an overflowing toilet.
1. Clogged Bowl
One major sign of trouble is your toilet not flushing properly. This often happens due to bad habits, like throwing strange objects into the toilet—yes, even those so-called “flushable” wipes.
If you’re wondering, whether flushable wipes are actually flushable, the short answer is no. It’s best to avoid them altogether to keep your plumbing happy.
2. Faulty Float Setting
The float in your toilet tank controls how much water fills up after each flush. If the float is set too high, the tank overfills, and water spills into the bowl, eventually overflowing.
A tell-tale sign of this issue? You’ll notice water constantly trickling into the bowl even when the toilet hasn’t been flushed.
3. Full Septic Tank
A septic tank is like your toilet’s underground helper—it collects and breaks down waste. But when the tank gets full, it can’t handle the load, and the excess waste backs up into your toilet.
If you haven’t had your septic tank emptied in a while, this might be the messy culprit behind the overflow.
4. Blocked Vent Pipes
Did you know your toilet has vent pipes that help release sewer gases and maintain proper air pressure?
If these pipes are blocked, it can disrupt the flow of water and air in your plumbing system, leading to an overflow. Common causes include debris or even bird nests clogging the vents on your roof.
Also read: How to fix toilet that keeps running
What to Do When Toilet Water Rises and Won’t Go Down?
Follow these simple steps to regain control and stop the chaos:
1. Cut Off the Water Supply
The first thing you need to do is stop the water from flowing. Look behind your toilet and find the valve near the base. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply.
If you can’t find it or it’s stuck, quickly remove the toilet tank lid and lift the float (the plastic or metal ball) to stop water from filling the tank. This quick action can save you from a bigger mess!
2. Clean the Excess Water
Once the water stops rising, it’s time to clean up. Use old towels or a mop to soak up the water on the floor to prevent it from spreading further.
Remember to wear gloves for hygiene and toss any disposable items, like paper towels, directly into the trash—don’t flush them! The sooner you clean up, the less chance water damage has to set in.
3. Prepare the Tools
Now that things are under control, gather the tools you’ll need to fix the problem. A plunger is your best friend here—make sure it’s a good-quality one with a flange for better suction.
You might also need a bucket, a toilet auger (for stubborn clogs), and cleaning supplies to sanitise everything afterward.
Once you’re ready, you can start working on the root cause of the overflow. Stay calm—you’ve got this!
4 Methods to Stop an Overflowing Toilet
Here are some effective methods to stop your toilet from overflowing:
1. Use a Drain Snake
If the clog is deep in the pipes, a drain snake can help. Here’s how to use a drain snake:
- Insert the snake into the toilet bowl and push it gently into the drain.
- Turn the handle clockwise to feed the snake further into the pipe.
- When you feel resistance, twist and pull the snake back to break up or remove the clog.
- Flush the toilet to check if the water flows freely.
2. Use a Plunger
- Position the plunger over the drain hole in the toilet bowl, ensuring a good seal.
- Push down and pull up with steady pressure, creating a vacuum to loosen the clog.
- Repeat several times, then flush the toilet to see if the blockage is gone.
3. Hot Water and Dish Soap
If the clog isn’t too severe, try this simple home remedy:
- Pour a generous amount of dish soap into the toilet bowl.
- Follow it with a bucket of hot (but not boiling) water poured from waist height.
- Let it sit for 10–15 minutes to break down the blockage, then flush the toilet.
4. Call a Professional Plumber
If none of these methods work or the issue keeps recurring, it’s time to bring in the experts. A plumber has the tools and expertise to diagnose and fix even the most stubborn toilet problems.
Conclusion
Handling an overflowing toilet can be stressful, but following these steps methodically helps you know what to do if the toilet is overflowing.
If the issue persists or is linked to a septic system, do not hesitate to seek professional help.
Call Neighbourhood Plumbing now to get your toilet back to normal and be stress-free in an instant!
About the Author
From unclogging the toughest drains to repairing leaking toilets, Ricky is a seasoned plumber who has brought his craftmanship to homes across Melbourne. He is passionate about sharing plumbing tips just as much as he is about fixing your plumbing issues. So, when your taps or pipes begin leaking, you know who to call.
