← Back to Blog

Toilet Flooding? Things to Do Before You Call a Plumber

Learn what to do when your toilet is overflowing, including how to stop the water, check for blockages and know when to call a professional plumber.

Toilet Flooding? Things to Do Before You Call a Plumber

Toilet flooding? Things to Do Before You Call a Plumber

Introduction

An overflowing toilet can quickly turn into a mess and cause severe water damage to your bathroom. The backup toilet can be caused by blocked drain, faulty flush mechanism, too much waste in the bowl or a blockage in the drainage line. Knowing of them will assist in managing the scenario before a professional plumber comes and inspects the problem.

1. Shut off the water

The first step is to shut off the water to the toilet. Look for a small water supply valve near the toilet, in the floor or the wall and turn it off by turning it clockwise. If the water was not shut off with the valve, you might need to locate and turn off the main water supply to the house, if it is available.

2. Don't try to flush an overflowing toilet

Don't try to flush an overflowing toilet. This will simply add more water to the bowl, exacerbating it. Unless the problem has been resolved, it is best to avoid use of the toilet until it has been flushed.

3. Check for an easy plug

A common cause of an overflowing toilet is a blocked inlet of the drainage pipe This could be caused by too much toilet paper, foreign objects, the accumulation of waste, a blocked toilet trap or a blocked drainage pipe. If the obstruction is close to the toilet bowl, a suitable toilet plunger could help clear it. Do not force as this may damage the toilet or fittings.

4. Clean up the bathroom area

If water has begun to spill over into the bathroom, it is important to make the area as clean and dry as possible. Take care to keep electrical devices away from the contaminated water. If the water has become contaminated or if the overflow continues, a professional plumber will be required.

5. Lookout for Other Warning Signs

An overflowing toilet can at times be an indication of a more serious drainage problem. You should lookout for warning signs such as slow drainage, gurgling sounds, sewage smells, water backing up from floor drains and slow draining of other fixtures. If more than one fixture is draining slowly or becoming blocked, the problem may be with the main drainage line and may require professional intervention.

When Should You Call a Plumber?

You should consider hiring a professional plumber to unclog your toilet if: The toilet keeps overflowing There is a blockage that cannot be solved It gets blocked more than once Water is backing up in the bathroom There are multiple issues with different fixtures There is an odor coming from the toilet or a sewage smell The toilet or the drainage pipes are damaged A professional plumber can help clear or unclog the toilet, check the drainage connection, and toilet pipes to establish the cause of the recurring problem with the toilet overflow.

How to Prevent Toilet Overflow Problems

The most effective way to prevent recurring toilet overflow problems is ensuring regular maintenance Do not flush foreign objects and an excessive amount of toilet paper, and clear the drains before they get entirely blocked. In case your toilet begins to overflow, do not try to clear the clog yourself. It is better to call professionals in such situations. Professional plumbers will be able to help you find out the cause of the toilet overflow problems, and recommend the most appropriate solution.

Toilet Plumbing Services in Morbi

Gigwell offers toilet plumbing services in Morbi for residential and commercial properties. Toilet plumbing services we provide include toilet blockage removal, drain cleaning, water leak repair, pipe repair and bathroom plumbing. A professional plumber will resolve your toilet drainage problems and do an extensive inspection to identify the cause of the overflow and suggest the most appropriate repair solution.

Frequently Asked Questions

Why is my toilet overflowing?

A blocked toilet trap, drainage pipe, excessive waste or a larger drainage problem can cause a toilet to overflow.

Should I flush an overflowing toilet again?

No. Stop the flow of the water in the toilet by flushing and shutting down the water supply to the toilet to keep a further influx of water to the bowl.

Could a blocked main drain cause toilet to overflow?

If there are multiple drains that aren't draining correctly or back flowing this could be an indicator that the main drainage line is clogged.

When should I call a plumber?

A professional plumber should be called if the overflow persists, the blockage repeatedly reoccurs, several drains are affected or if there is a backflow of wastewater into the bathroom.

Conclusion

An overflowing toilet should be addressed immediately. The water supply must be turned off. Do not try to continue using the toilet. Look for a simple obstruction and make sure that the bathroom is clean. If the problem recurs or occurs again, you need to call a plumber to check the drainage system and find out what the problem is.

Need a plumber or bathroom upgrade in Morbi?

Contact Gigwell