It’s the middle of the night and you hear water running in the bathroom. You get up to find that your toilet is overflowing! What do you do? In this blog post, we will discuss how to stop a toilet from overflowing before it becomes a huge mess. We will cover everything from what to do if your toilet overflows to how to prevent it from happening in the first place.
But first, if you are in need of plumbing in Charleston, SC, look no further than Rooter-Man SC. Stay dry, everyone!
What Causes a Toilet to Overflow?
Clogged or Backed-Up Drain
Most people have experienced the frustration of a clogged or backed-up drain. Whether it’s a slow drain that gradually becomes more and more difficult to use, or a complete blockage that causes water to back up, a clogged drain is always a nuisance. But did you know that a clogged drain can also cause your toilet to overflow? That’s right – if your drain is blocked, and you flush your toilet, the water has nowhere to go but up. So the next time your drain is giving you trouble, remember that it could be causing problems for your toilet as well!
High Filler Float
The filler float is what allows your toilet to fill up with water after each flush. This is what makes it possible for you to have a “hands-free” experience – once you flush, the water just fills back up on its own. But if the filler float is set too high, it can cause your toilet to overflow. The reason for this is that the water will keep running until the float reaches its highest point, and then it will shut off. But if the float is set too high, the water will reach a point where it can no longer safely be contained in the toilet bowl, and it will overflow.
Running Toilet
A running toilet is one of the most common causes of toilet overflows. If your toilet is running, it means that water is constantly flowing into the bowl, and eventually, it will overflow. There are a few different things that can cause a toilet to run, but the most common culprit is a faulty flapper valve. The flapper valve is what allows water to flow into the toilet bowl after each flush. But if it is not sealing properly, water will leaks through, and your toilet will run.
Plumbing in Charleston, SC – How to Stop a Toilet From Overflowing
Now that we know what can cause a toilet to overflow, let’s talk about how to stop it from happening.
Turn Off The Water
If you find yourself dealing with an overflowing toilet, the first thing you should do is turn off the water. The water supply valve is usually located behind the toilet, or near the base of the tank.
Flush a Few Times
Once you turn off the water, flush the toilet a few times to empty as much water out of the bowl as possible. Then, you can start troubleshooting to figure out what went wrong.
Identify the Problem
The next step is to identify the problem. Is your toilet overflowing because of a clogged drain? A high filler float? Or a running toilet? Once you know what the problem is, you can take steps to fix it and prevent it from happening again.
Fix the Problem
If your toilet is overflowing because of a clogged drain, you will need to unclog it. This can usually be done with a plunger or a plumber’s snake. If your toilet is overflowing because of a high filler float, you will need to adjust the float so that it doesn’t get too high. And if your toilet is overflowing because of a running toilet, you will need to fix the flapper valve so that it seals properly. If this isn’t something you can do yourself, just search “plumbing companies near me” on Google.
Prevent Future Overflows
Once you’ve fixed the problem, you can take steps to prevent future overflows. If your toilet has a tendency to clog, make sure you are using a plunger regularly to clear any obstructions. And if your toilet is prone to running, make sure you check the flapper valve regularly to ensure it is sealing properly.
Final Thoughts
A toilet overflow is never a fun experience. But by following the steps in this blog post, you can stop it from happening. And if you take steps to prevent future overflows, you can keep your bathroom running smoothly for years to come. Thanks for reading!
If you are in need of plumbing in Charleston, SC, look to Rooter-Man SC. We will be able to help you with any of your plumbing needs! Contact us today for more information.
