Overflowing toilets are not anything new. If anything, it’s a common nuisance that occurs in various homes. The cause could be clogging along the pipes or drains. So, expect this issue when you flush objects that are not meant for toilet drainage. But sometimes, even tissues can be the cause. So, how to prevent the toilet from overflowing?
Flogging might occur when you flush a massive chunk of tissue down the toilet. And it’s even familiar if you are using a septic tank. Other potential causes for toilet overflow include toilet malfunctioning. When the float malfunctions, the water will continue to fill the toilet tank even when it’s full. And finally, it could be a flapper malfunction due to misalignment or ineffectiveness.
Whichever the cause, you need to act fast when the toilet overflows. Any delay means a waste of water and higher bills. Also, it could damage your home more due to water flowing all over. That said, follow these steps on how to prevent the toilet from overflowing.
1st Step: Think and act fast to prevent further toilet overflow. You can start by unlocking the toilet tank lid and then remove it from the top. Place it in a secure place before you move on. It could be on a towel if it’s ceramic. Meanwhile, don’t waste even a minute; time wastage means more water goes to waste.
2nd Step: Reach the flapper in the toilet tank using one of your hands and the other for support. It’s a rubber valve at the center of the tank. And if you are worried about the water’s cleanliness, don’t, it’s very clean and sanitary. When you reach the valve, press it down to block the water from flowing to the bowl from the tank. As a result, the bowl will stop overflowing.
3rd Step: With the flapper valve pressed and no water getting into the bowl, it’s time to stop the tank from filling. Grab the float using your other hand, assuming you are stable. Lift it to shut the flow of water into the tank.
With the flow of water both in the tank and bowl cut off, wait until the bowl water drops to a normal level. Once the bowl’s water level is normal, let go of the flapper and then the Float. The water will begin to fill the tank once more.
Meanwhile, examine whether the water is still getting into the bowl from the tank without flushing. At the same time, wait until the toilet tank is full. If the float shuts the water flow when the maximum level is attained, it means everything is okay now.
4th Step: However, when the water level at the bowl fails to drop, it means there is a blockage. As such, don’t let go of the flapper valve or the float. At this point, you need to cut off the water flow into the toilet tank.
The valve for this role is somewhere on the wall close to the toilet tank. Since you can’t hold the flapper, float and engage the valve to cut the water supply, let go of the float, and turn off the water flow with the valve very fast.
With the toilet no longer overflowing, it’s time to think of a long-term solution. Meanwhile, avoid using any plumbing fixture in the house before the problem is fully resolved. You can use the plunger to unblock the drainage through the bowl.
However, if the matter is beyond your capability, call a professional plumber. We will help you fix the issue whether it’s caused by a flapper or float malfunction. Also, we will unblock your drainage system if that’s the cause. With the help of Flamingo Plumbing & Backflow Services, you can learn how to prevent your toilet from overflowing.