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How to Prevent Your Toilet From Overflowing

toilet overflow in a home bathroom.

An overflowing toilet is one of the grossest plumbing emergencies in your home. In addition to its highly unpleasant nature, this plumbing issue can stop you from using your toilet. It may even inflict massive damage on your home and belongings, warns the Dennis Management team.

If you have experienced a toilet overflow in your home, what can you do to prevent a future reoccurrence? In this post, we explain everything you need to know about toilet overflows, their immediate and remote causes, and how to prevent the problem.

What is toilet overflow, and what causes your toilet to overflow?

A toilet overflow happens when you flush your toilet and, instead of the water inside the bowl flowing into the toilet drain, the water level inside the bowl rises until the toilet bowl is filled. If the toilet is flushed again during the period, this dirty water can run over the edge of the toilet bowl and spill human waste on the floor.

The toilet would overflow for two main reasons: a clogged drain and sewer line backup.

  • Clogged drain: There are many reasons why your toilet drain could be clogged. Sometimes, the blockage is directly below the drain opening. Other times, the clog is deep inside the drainage system. Only the toilet will be clogged if the blockage is just below the drain opening. Blockages deep inside your drainpipes will also affect the other drains in your home.
  • Sewer line backup: A sewage backup happens when the content of your sewer line flows in the reverse direction. Instead of the wastewater inside the pipes flowing onwards to the city sewer lines in the street, it comes back into your home. Sewer line backups are an extreme outcome of unattended problems in your sewer line. They are also caused by backflow problems in the home’s plumbing.

How to prevent toilet overflows in your home

To prevent this plumbing emergency, you must know the immediate and remote reasons why your toilet drain is blocked. It is also essential to know the giveaway signs that there are problems in your toilet drain in particular and the drainage system as a whole. How can you prevent blockages in your toilet drain?

Only flush toilet paper and human waste into the toilet

Many items are marketed as “flushable” but have no business going into your toilet. Flushing them into the toilet is the number one reason your toilet drain clogs and overflows. What are some of the items that should never find their way into your toilet?

Cigarette butts, wipes, female sanitary products, baby wipes, paper towels, condoms, medications, chewing gum, dental floss, diapers, and tampons are just a few of the items that will harm your toilet drain. The only things that should go into your toilet are human waste and toilet paper.

Flush toilet properly

Residues of human waste and toilet paper that are left inside the toilet drain after you flush the toilet can build up over time until they become a problem. These residues encourage clogs in the toilet drain. Flush your toilet more than once if you used it for a long time or used a lot of toilet paper.

do not pour grease down your drain.

Washing fats, oils and grease (FOG) into any of your home’s drains is an invitation to disaster.

Do not wash FOGs into your home’s drains

Washing fats, oils and grease (FOG) into any of your home’s drains is an invitation to disaster. Recall that clogs and blockages in any part of the home’s drainage can ripple outwards and backwards to your toilet drain. FOGs predispose your home’s drains to clogs and blockages.

In addition to not flushing FOGs into the drain, you should not use the garbage disposal as a trash bin. Also, avoid flushing the following items into your kitchen sink: starchy foods (rice and potatoes), stringy vegetables, eggshells, and coffee grinds; they will clog your drains.

Avoid chemical drain cleaners

These products offer a quick way to clear the clogs inside your home’s drains, including the toilet drain. However, chemical drain cleaners also harm your drainage system because of the harsh corrosives they contain. These corrosives may erode your pipes, weakening them and predisposing your drains to leaks and clogs.

Have your drains inspected and cleaned on a schedule

Problems that cause the toilet to overflow can be detected on time if the home’s drains are inspected on schedule. Most clogs need time to develop to the point where they can become big enough to cause a sewage backup in your home. Regular drain camera inspections let you solve problems before they become emergencies.

Finally, what should you do if you suddenly find that the toilet in your home is about to overflow? The best option is to call a professional plumber right away. If the overflow is already in progress, trying to solve it by plunging the toilet rarely works.

How Do I Stop My Toilet From Overflowing?

an overflowing toilet in need of repair.

Dealing with a toilet that is overflowing can be a stressful situation. Not only is it messy and unpleasant, but it can also cause damage to your bathroom and potentially lead to water damage in your home. Knowing how to stop a toilet from overflowing and taking immediate action can help prevent further damage. Below we will discuss the common causes of toilet overflow and provide step-by-step instructions on how to stop it.

Understanding the Causes

Before we dive into the solutions, it’s essential to understand the common causes of toilet overflow. By identifying the root cause, you can better address the issue and prevent it from happening in the future.

  • Clogged Toilet: The most common reason for a toilet overflow is a clog. When waste and toilet paper accumulate in the pipes, it can cause a blockage that prevents the water from draining properly. As a result, the bowl may overflow when flushed.
  • Malfunctioning Float: The float is a device inside the toilet tank that regulates the water level. If it is not functioning correctly, it may allow the tank to fill excessively, leading to an overflow.
  • Sewer Line Issues: Another possible cause of a toilet overflow is a problem with the main sewer line. If the sewer line is blocked or damaged, it can cause water to back up into your toilet and overflow.

Steps to Stop a Toilet From Overflowing

Now that we have a better understanding of the causes, let’s explore the step-by-step process to stop a toilet from overflowing. Following these instructions can help mitigate the issue quickly and effectively.

Step 1: Turn Off the Water Supply

The first step is to prevent more water from entering the toilet bowl. Locate the water supply valve behind the toilet or beneath the tank. Turn the valve clockwise to shut off the water supply. This will help minimize the amount of water that can overflow.

Step 2: Remove the Tank Lid

Next, remove the lid from the toilet tank. You may need to lift it straight up or unscrew it, depending on the type of toilet you have. Set the lid aside in a safe place to avoid any accidental damage.

Step 3: Check the Float

Inspect the float inside the toilet tank. Ensure that it is functioning correctly and not sticking in the upward position. Gently press the float down to see if it moves freely. If it is faulty or stuck, it may need to be adjusted or replaced. Calling a professional plumber nearby might be necessary to fix this issue.

Step 4: Clear the Clog

If you suspect that a clog is causing the overflow, you’ll need to clear it. There are a few methods you can try to remove the blockage:

  • Plunger: Use a toilet plunger to create suction and dislodge the clog. Place the plunger over the drain hole and push down firmly. Then, vigorously pump the plunger up and down to create suction. Repeat this process several times until the water starts to drain.
  • Plumbing Snake: If the plunger fails to clear the clog, you can try using a plumbing snake. Insert the snake into the toilet drain and twist it while pushing it forward. This can help break up and remove the obstruction.
  • Enzyme-based Cleaner: Alternatively, you may use an enzyme-based cleaner specifically designed for clearing toilet clogs. Follow the instructions on the product for the best results.

Step 5: Clean Up the Excess Water

If the toilet has overflowed, it’s crucial to clean up the excess water promptly. Use towels or a mop to soak up the water from the floor. Wearing protective gloves is recommended to avoid any potential contact with bacteria.

Step 6: Test the Toilet

After the water is cleaned up and any clogs are cleared, turn the water supply back on by turning the valve counterclockwise. Allow the tank to refill, and then flush the toilet to test if the issue has been resolved. If the toilet flushes normally without overflowing, you have successfully stopped the overflow.

bathroom garbage bin.

Provide a garbage bin in your bathroom for disposing of non-flushable items properly.

Preventing Toilet Overflows

While it’s essential to know how to stop a toilet from overflowing, taking preventative measures can help avoid such situations altogether. Here are some tips to prevent future toilet overflows:

  • Watch What You Flush: Only flush toilet paper and waste down the toilet. Avoid flushing items such as facial tissues, wet wipes, or feminine hygiene products, as they can easily cause clogs.
  • Maintain the Plumbing: Regularly inspect and maintain your plumbing system. Address any leaks, clogs, or malfunctioning components promptly to prevent major issues.
  • Use a Garbage Bin: Provide a garbage bin in your bathroom for disposing of non-flushable items properly.

In Summary

Dealing with a toilet overflow can be a frustrating experience, but by following the steps outlined in this article, you can effectively stop the overflow and prevent further damage. Remember, the key is to act quickly to minimize water damage and attend to any issues that may have caused the overflow. By understanding the common causes and taking preventative measures, you can maintain a functioning and trouble-free toilet system in your home.