One of the things that every homeowner should know is how to stop a toilet from overflowing.

This is a skill that will come in handy if you ever find yourself in the middle of such an unfortunate situation. Before anything else, call Absolute Electrical Heating and Air’s experts to help. While waiting for us to arrive, know that you aren’t entirely helpless.

Once you know what to do when a toilet overflows, you’re guaranteed to have a home safe from germs, bacteria, and whatever else is lurking in your plumbing system. Absolute Electrical Heating and Air knows what to do best. Give these tips a try before an overflowing toilet consumes your house.

Steps To Fix an Overflowing Toilet

Manage the Water Supply.

The most essential and logical thing to do when a toilet overflows is to plug the water supply to prevent it from flowing. Here are some of the most effective ways to manage your water supply:

• Lift the float located inside the tank. When you lift the cover of the toilet tank, you’ll see the float. The float controls the water flow in the toilet tank, and when you lift it, the water shuts off.
• Push down the flapper inside the tank. Detach the lid of the tank, and have a look inside. The flapper is located at the bottom of the toilet tank. It serves as a cover for the toilet and goes directly into the bowl. When you push it down, it will prevent water from exiting the toilet tank and reaching the toilet bowl.
• Turn off the water valve. The water valve is located on the toilet’s base, which controls the water flow into the toilet. However, the first two ways mentioned may be a lot more convenient and more accessible to do than this. Turning off valves is difficult, and forcing it is a waste of time.
• Do not take your hands off the float or the flapper yet. Once the water supply is cut off, the water will start to subside. When that happens, you can remove your hand and do the following steps. You can also remove any excess water and put it in a bucket.
• If the water is murky, put it in a disposable bucket. Once your toilet is fixed, flush down the dirty water. If the water is clear and doesn’t have an unpleasant smell, you can scoop the water out and drain it in your sink.

Plunge the Toilet.

After that, the next task is plunging the toilet. Follow these simple steps:

• Get your plunger. When you put it in your toilet bowl, submerge the plunger in the water completely.
• Next, pump the water in an up-and-down manner. Do this quickly, and the water level will lower.
• When the water is no longer covering the plunger, flush the toilet.
• Repeat the first two steps until your toilet is working again.

What You Should Not Do With an Overflowing Toilet

Now that you know how to fix an overflowing toilet, here is a list of things to refrain from doing when experiencing one:

1. Avoid using and flushing it.
2. Avoid using chemicals. Let the professionals take care of it.
3. Avoid inspecting or removing any pipes yourself because it may lead to flooding and cause more damage.

Why Do Toilets Overflow?

1. “Flushable” products. Things like tampons, sanitary pads, tissue paper, and baby wipes are meant to be thrown in the trash can. Some products may claim that they’re “flushable,” but these products can block your pipes.
2. Clogged drain lines. When your home’s drainage system is not well-maintained or old, flushing regular waste can be challenging. There might be a buildup of waste or grease in your pipes. Other culprits for clogged drain lines are paper and hair.
3. Flushing down foreign objects. It’s a kid’s instinct when they see water to play. One of the common reasons for toilet overflow is foreign objects that kids put in the toilet, such as toys. Some items might be big enough to flush but too big for your pipes.

Don’t wait for a toilet overflowing accident to occur before you call a plumber in Denver, CO. When you call ABP, we will be there right away to do what needs to be done and prevent any disasters you didn’t realize were imminent. We have all the necessary equipment to handle any plumbing-related situation, no matter the severity. We know how to fix an overflowing toilet, address sewage problems, and more. Call us today to have your plumbing system inspected and maintained by experts.