If you are wondering how to stop your toilet from overflowing, then you are at the right article. Read this detailed solution to the problem and fix it today.
Overflowing toilets are an issue nobody wants to have. One of the headaches we all face is when we flush the toilet and hope it will get empty like before, but it doesn’t really happen sometimes. Sometimes, the water doesn’t get empty. Meanwhile, the water inside the toilet starts rising up and eventually ends up overflowing out of the toilet.
In this guide, we will answer your question, “Why is my toilet overflowing?” We will also dive deep into the solution of plumbing maintenance and suggest what to do if your toilet is overflowing.
Why Is My Toilet Overflowing? Top 10 Common Causes
Toilet overflow can be a serious plumbing issue, although it makes a mess as well. However, there are several reasons for toilet overflowing from clogged drains, and many more. That’s why we gathered the top 10 reasons for toilet overflowing, such as:
- Clogged Drain Line
Firstly, the main reason for the toilet overflowing can be a clogged drain. Additionally, clogged drains can happen because of too much water, and unflushable items such as wipes and skin care products can block the drains. - Main Sewer Line Blockage
Moving on, one common cause of a toilet overflowing is a blockage of the main drain line. Sometimes, multiple toilets or drains are causing the problem due to clogging, and the cause might be deeper. - Full or Failing Septic Tank
Sometimes, the septic tanks outside your houses fill up to their limit and don’t allow further water to drain. That’s why the water starts backing up and ends up overflowing out of your toilets. - Blocked Vent Pipe
If you never knew this, plumbing systems need proper airflow to work effectively. When the drains get blocked and air can’t pass through, suction is created, slowing down the drains and causing overflow. - Too Much Toilet Paper or Waste
Five. The cause of toilet overflow can be flushing too many large items, such as toilet paper, plastic wraps, or other waste. You should never trigger the toilet pipes too much with heavy items because there is always a limit to it. - Non-Flushable Items
You can’t flush everything from your toilets, and you should especially never try to flush items like cotton balls, pads, floss, or diapers. Toilets are made only for human waste, not other waste. - Faulty Fill Valve
When you forget to shut off the fill valve properly, the toilet may overflow. So, next time you do it, always make sure the fill valves are not faulty to avoid unwanted problems. - High Filler Float
Next, we have one of the common reasons for toilet overflowing: installing a float set too high. When the float is set too high, it pushes more water than needed, resulting in the toilet overflowing. - Weak Flush Performance
Sometimes, a low-quality flush system or an old toilet flushing system can cause toilets to overflow. - Kids Flushing Objects
Lastly, the major cause of overflowing toilets might be children flushing toys, clothing, or other small objects. It may sound funny, but it actually happens most of the time because nobody knows what a kid is thinking.
What to Do If the Toilet Overflows: Quick Fix Guide
When water is flooding your washroom, the first thing that comes to mind is how to fix the toilet from overflowing. Don’t worry, we already gathered 10 types of quick fixes for your overflowing toilet. So, here are 10 things to do when your toilet is overflowing:
- Shut Off the Water Supply
The first thing you should do if your toilet overflows is shut off the water valve. However, if you don’t see a valve, simply open the tank near the toilet and press the flapper down to avoid wasting more water. - Dry the Floor Immediately
To prevent mold or water damage, you should clean the floor, walls, or any object with water. Use a mop or an old towel to dry everything thoroughly. - Scoop Out Excess Water
Stop wondering how to fix an overflowing toilet and start scooping out the water with an old cup or small container. It’s important because nobody wants to splash messy water on their faces while plunging. - Plunge It Right
If you don’t know how to plug the toilet the right way, don’t worry—we are here. Simply hold the plug tight and push it up and down 25 times each set, doing multiple sets until air starts flowing into the toilet pipe. - Test the Flush
The critical step to check if the flush is working is to back up the water and try flushing it. If the water doesn’t empty the bowl, then the problem is still there. Simply shut off the toilet valve and repeat the process until you get any results. - Use a Drain Snake
To check if the toilet is clogged, there is a drain snake that can guide you to the clogged spot causing overflow. Meanwhile, slowly push the snake inside the toilet pipe, and when it stops, you will find the clog spot. - Break Through the Clog
Are you wondering how to fix an overflowing toilet? Don’t stress—just have a drain snake and push it and twist it until the clog breaks. Once the blockage inside the toilet is gone, the overflow will eventually stop. - Hook and Pull Out Debris
Moving on in the list of what to do if the toilet is overflowing, you can use a hook-head snake. Likewise, gently push this hook-headed snake inside the toilet and stop until you find the blockage. Then pull it out carefully, and make sure you have a plastic waste bag to dispose of the waste. - Repeat if Needed
The next step is to repeat all of the above-mentioned steps if you are still facing a toilet overflowing problem. Meanwhile, keep doing the process until you see no resistance, and then try to flush it again. - Call a Plumber for Bigger Issues
Lastly, if you can’t fix your toilet’s overflow, it’s time to call a professional plumber. StopWater911 emergency plumbing services are available in your city. Just contact our team, and we will fix your overflowing toilet in no time.
FAQs about How to Fix a Toilet Overflow
How Can I Prevent Future Toilet Overflows?
Avoid flushing anything but waste and toilet paper. Regularly check toilet components and schedule plumbing inspections to catch issues early.
How Do You Unclog a Toilet with High Water?
Shut off the water supply first. Then, use some, use a plunger to create a seal, and plunge slowly. If that fails, try a toilet auger.
Can Plunging Cause an Overflow?
Yes—plunging too forcefully can push water and waste back up. Use slow, steady pressure to prevent splashing or overflow.
Can Toilets Unclog Themselves?
Sometimes, minor clogs may clear on their own, but if water drains slowly or gurgles, it’s best to take action before they worsen.