Check the Nearest Stall, This One’s Flooded: How to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

12/10/2021 (Permalink)

How to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

Before summoning a professional to your business for a toilet overflow, you may want to follow the following steps.

1. Stop Use of Surrounding Area

If you want to stop a toilet flood, it may be necessary to stop using the faucets and toilets in the surrounding area and stalls. Any additional pressure put on the plumbing system in the surrounding area can exacerbate the issue for the single stall.

2. Close the Water Valve

While it may be necessary to stop the immediate use of the restrooms in the surrounding area, it does not have to be halted permanently. You can resume use of other stalls after you close the water valve to the problem toilet. This valve is typically located on the vertical or horizontal pipe running up the back of the toilet and can be identified by the flathead screwdriver slot. Close the valve by using a screwdriver to turn it off.

3. Use a Plunger or Check the Gasket

Once you have shut off the influx of water, you can see if the toilet overflow is due to a clog or a problem with the gasket. To see if it is a clog, you can use a plunger and attempt to flush the toilet. If the toilet flushes, then you may have a clog. If you suspect the gasket, remove the flange cover followed by the gasket, and then clean the gasket, making sure that the weep hole is clear of any buildup or debris.

4. Consult an Expert

If you have used a plunger and cleaned the gasket, but the system is still not working correctly, it may be time to consult an expert in the Lee & South Chatham Counties area. While some plumbing issues are easy enough to fix on your own, others require the investigative skills of experienced professionals.

A toilet overflow can be a nuisance, but it doesn’t have to be costly. Most issues can be resolved with a plunger or a gasket cleaning; however, in those instances where simple fixes won’t cut it, you may want to seek out a professional before the potential water damage becomes expensive and burdensome.