Imagine this: You’re in the middle of a dinner party when suddenly, your toilet starts to overflow. Water is everywhere, and you have no idea how to stop it. Does it sound familiar? According to my expert plumbers sydney, toilet overflows are more common than you might think. However, if left untreated, this can be such a hassle to clean up and may even cause serious water damage. But don’t worry. We’re here to help. In this blog post, we’ll show you how to fix a toilet overflow and prevent it from happening again in the future. So are you ready to get started? Let’s dive in.
Turn off the Water Supply
It would be such a huge burden if you forget or simply ignore this first step. The first step is to find the shut-off valve, which is usually located near the base of your toilet or behind it. Simply twist the handle clockwise to shut off the water supply to your toilet. The reason for this is to stop any more water from entering your toilet and flooding the area. However, be sure that you are turning it off all the way.
See If It’s Clogged
The next step is to check for any clogs that may be causing the toilet to overflow. To do this, you can use a plunger or an auger (a plumbing snake). If there’s a significant blockage, these tools should remove it in no time. But what if you don’t have those two tools? The alternatives can be a toilet brush or even a coat hanger. You can even try flushing the toilet, as this may help dislodge any blockage.
Check the Flapper
Sometimes, the flapper can also cause a toilet to overflow. This piece of plastic located at the base of your toilet is what controls how much water enters the bowl. So if your flapper isn’t working correctly, it could lead to an overflowing toilet. To check the flapper, lift up its chain and visually inspect it. If there are any cracks or breaks, then that could be the cause of your overflowing toilet. In this case, you’ll need to replace it with a new one.
Clean Up Any Remaining Water
Once you have identified and fixed the issue causing your toilet to overflow, it’s time to clean up the mess. Start by using a wet/dry vacuum to suck up any remaining water in the bowl and around the floor. You can also use towels or rags to help soak up any excess water as well. Once you’re done, throw away anything that might have been contaminated with toilet water. Not only is this important for preventing the spread of germs, but it’s also an excellent way to help keep your bathroom clean.
Now that you know how to fix a toilet overflow, let’s talk about prevention. The best way to avoid future overflows is to be aware of what goes into your toilet and ensure it doesn’t get clogged up. Avoid flushing any items like paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or diapers down the drain. It’s also a good idea to keep your bathroom clean, as this will help avoid any build-up of dirt and grime that could cause a clog. Now you know how to fix and prevent toilet overflows. This way, you’ll be prepared in case it ever happens to you.