What to Do when Your Toilet Overflows
Though certainly unpleasant, an overflowing toilet isn’t an uncommon problem, and this nasty problem seems to always happen at the worst possible time.
On a positive note, though, an overflowing toilet is usually something that you can fix yourself without the help of a plumber – as long as you don’t mind doing some dirty work.
If you’re in need of toilet repair, here’s what you need to do:
Turn Off the Water
Turning off the water prevents the problem from getting worse. To do this, you have a few options.
- Turn off the valve located at the base of your toilet.
- If there isn’t a shut off valve at the toilet, turn off the main value where your water enters your home.
- Rig the float in the tank so it stays up and prevents water from filling the tank.
Deal with the Mess
Cleaning up water promptly is essential when it comes to preventing water damage. A wet/dry vacuum is the ideal solution for large spills, and towels work well for smaller ones. Thoroughly clean and disinfect all surfaces and items that got wet as quickly as possible.
Get Rid of the Clog
If you know your toilet is clogged as the result of a foreign object getting flushed, your best bet is put on a pair of rubber gloves and reach in to retrieve it.
For other types of clogs, a plunger may do the job. Use a plunger that is intended for use in toilets, and take care to splash as little as possible.
A drain snake is another option for clog removal, but they can be extremely messy to use, so they aren’t recommended unless you know how to use them properly.
If you’re unable to remove the clog using any of these methods, you may need to call in a professional for drain cleaning. For help with an overflowing toilet in Salt Lake City, trust the experts at Neerings Plumbing & Heating. Call 801-467-3951.