When a toilet overflows, turn the valve behind it clockwise to stop the water. If the valve is stuck, take the lid off the tank and lift the float so the tank stops filling. Do not flush again until the clog has been cleared.
Speed matters here. Every second the water runs, more of it spreads across the floor and under the toilet. Water that seeps into the subfloor can reach the ceiling below, which is especially important in apartments and two-story homes.
Stopping the Water
- Turn the oval handle near the floor behind the toilet
- If it will not move, lift the float arm or float cup in the tank
- Press the flapper down so the tank water stays put
- If nothing works, close the main valve for the home
Cleaning Up
Assume the water is dirty. Wear rubber gloves, soak it up with old towels, then wash the floor with soap and water followed by a disinfectant. Check the baseboards and the ceiling below for signs that water got through.
Clearing the Clog
A flange plunger, the kind with a rubber sleeve on the bottom, fits the toilet drain best. Start gently to make a seal, then push firmly several times. Skip chemical drain cleaners, which can damage the porcelain and splash. If a few tries do not work, stop and call for help.
Signs It Is More Than a Clog
If other drains gurgle when you flush, if the toilet overflows again soon after plunging, or if something solid went down, the problem is deeper in the line or inside the toilet.
In those cases, a plumber can clear the trap and check the wax seal. If toilets in the home clog often, a broader look at your bathrooms may reveal a shared cause. Call JPR Plumbing at (833) 603-1840.