Did you know toilets can last up to 50 years with proper maintenance? Everyone has experienced a moment of panic when they see the toilet clogged or worse, seeing an overflowing toilet.

It’s important to know how to handle any situations that might arise, especially the most common such as an overflowing toilet or clogged.

The important thing is knowing how to handle the situation appropriately, so you avoid an unpleasant mess on your bathroom floor. Read on for tips on how to deal with an overflowing toilet.

What To Do When You Have A Overflowing Toilet?

You will likely experience an overflowing toilet or clogged toilet at least once in your life.

It is essential to know how to handle the situation to avoid further messes and damage to your bathroom.

Cut off The Water Source

The first thing you must do is turn off the water source. It is necessary to stop the water flow to reduce flood damage.

Here are three ways to shut the water off.

To turn the water off, you will need to lift the lid, and on the inside, there is a flapper that is coving an opening connected to the toilet bowl.

Push the flapper down inside the tank to stop the water from entering the bowl. The water in the tank is clean, but if you feel more comfortable, you can always wear gloves.

Another way to stop the water flow is to lift the float at the top of the toilet tank. By raising the float, the water flow will stop.

Lastly, if you cannot find either part or do not want to put your hand in the tank on the toilet base, there is a valve that controls the water flow. Once you have located the valve, start turning it clockwise.

Valves are usually difficult to turn, so you may want to try the other two ways first.

If the water is still running, turn off the water supply to the house. It can be found near the water heater, and it looks like a knob.

Things You Will Need

Once you have turned off the water flow, you will need to unclog the toilet. To do so, you will need the following materials. For sanitation purposes, you will need rubber gloves, a toilet plunger to unclog the toilet. You can purchase both of these inexpensive items at your local store.

Another thing you might need is a toilet snake. These can be purchased at a hardware store or a home improvement store.

They typically cost around $50. Another option is to rent one for around $12 to $20 a day. Keep in mind that the price may vary depending on which store you choose to go.

Lastly, you will need a small container and a bucket to remove some water from the toilet if the water level is too high. It would be best if you had some old rags or towels to avoid a big mess on the floor.

Plunge The Toilet

Before you begin plunging, remove some water from the toilet. You can use a small container to get some water out into a bucket, so the dirty water doesn’t splash all over the place.

Once the water level is low, its time to unclog the toilet with the plunger. Place the flange directly int the drain hole, make sure there is a tight seal. Then you will want to firmly push the plunger up and down quickly for about 20 to 30 seconds. Keep doing this until it unclogs.

It usually takes a few pumps for it to release the clog. To ensure that the toilet is working again, flush and observe to see if it flushes like usual.

What To Do if Plunging Doesn’t Work?

If the toilet plunger isn’t working and your toilet is still clogged, you will need to use a toilet auger, also known as a toilet snake.

A toilet snake has a unique design that allows it to get through all the turns inside the toilet’s plumbing. It can retrieve anything that the toilet plunger couldn’t.

How To Use a Toilet Snake

To unclog your toilet using a toilet snake, you will need to insert the hook end as deep as possible. Then, release the snaking portion of the toilet snake by applying pressure by the end you are holding.

While you are applying pressure, you will need to turn it clockwise to extend in the drain. You will have to keep turning it until it cannot go any deeper. Once it cannot advance, it means you have reached the item that has clogged your toilet.

To hook the item that is causing the clog, you will need to pull on the snake a little bit gently. Once you feel resistance, it means that the item is now hooked and ready to get pulled out.

To get it out, you will need to turn the snake counterclockwise. When it is out, you will want to keep repeating these steps a few more times to ensure there is nothing left.

How To Prevent It from Happening Again

No one enjoys having to fix toilet floods, so it is important to take precautions to prevent it from happening. Always be mindful of what you are flushing.

Knowing what you can flush and what you can’t is a great way to prevent clogged toilets.

The following items should never be flushed, such as Baby wipes, diapers, napkins, feminine hygiene products, floss, grease, plastic, tissues. These items will stay in your pipes and will block things you flush until it clogs your toilet.

For people who have young children, it is essential to childproof the toilet so they do not flush any toys down the toilet, which can lead to a severe problem.

If All Fails, Contact a Plumber

If you have failed to shut the water flow and a plunger or a toilet snake isn’t working and are still experiencing an overflowing toilet, you may have to call a plumber.

They are experienced and know how to deal with any issues your toilet may have.

Are you still experiencing toilet issues? Contact us to make an appointment.