Your Toilet’s Running; Better Go Catch It: How to Fix an Overflow

A disassembled toilet with tools on the floor.

Maybe your little one flushed that Happy Meal toy down the toilet, or you may have hit the handle one too many times and water just started spilling over. It may have been just too cold outside . Whatever the reason is, when your toilet overflows, it causes sudden panic. That’s bad for your health, so Warner Service is here to fix your well-being – and your toilet. Here is a step-by-step guide on how to fix your pesky overflowing toilet:

If your toilet has a slight mechanical problem:

Put on a pair of rubber or disposable gloves. (This is a toilet you’re handling.)
Carefully wrap an old towel around the base of the toilet to make cleaning up the overflowing water easier.
Turn off the toilet’s water supply line by locating the line’s valve near the bottom of the bowl, and turning it counterclockwise to stop water flow from the toilet. If this does not stop the water from overflowing, continue to the next set of instructions.

If your toilet’s tank is the problem:

Remove the tank cover then lift the float cup high enough so the water stops running.
Turn the water heater valve in an off position until the water flow in your home stops completely.
Use a small cup or bowl to remove any excess water at the brim of the bowl.
Pour the excess water into a sink if it’s clean. Use a separate plastic bucket if it’s dirty water.
Skip this step if the excess water was clean. If the water is dirty, pour it in the toilet bowl once the flooding stops and re-flush for safe disposal.
Carefully use a mop and old towels to wipe up the excess water off of the floor.

If a clog is causing an overflow:

Align a toilet plunger to the center of the bowl.
Using the handle, apply slow downward pressure, gradually increasing speed and intensity. This will allow the clog to dislodge and water will begin freely flowing down the bowl.
Carefully use a mop and old towels to wipe up the excess water off of the floor.

If a clog cannot be dislodged with a plunger:

Insert the tube end of a toilet auger as deeply into the bowl as possible.
Simultaneously turn and apply gentle pressure to the free end of the auger.
Pull the entire auger out of the toilet when you feel pressure or release. This indicates that the clog has been dislodged, and water will begin freely flowing down the bowl.
Carefully use a mop and old towels to wipe up the excess water off of the floor.

To prevent future overflowing:

Reset the float mechanism lower than it was before the clog. This adjusts the toilet’s water levels, which vary between models. Check inside the tank for a mark indicating the appropriate water level.
Ensure that the chain is attached to the float and that the float is not bent or rusted.
Contact a plumber to examine external plumbing vents if your toilet overflows often. Debris may be getting caught in the vents causing chronic damage.

When your home’s toilet overflows, it can cause a slippery mess, stress and a whole lot of regrets. To prevent it from happening in the first place (and to keep your stress levels down), check your toilet’s mechanisms for functionality, or call a professional for a maintenance check-up.

If you toilet does overflow, see if a clog or the water pressure is the real problem. Once you’ve figured that out, you can find a solution within the instructions above. For any questions, concerns or appointments, contact Warner Service today.

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Your Toilet’s Running; Better Go Catch It: How to Fix an Overflow