When a toilet overflows, stop the water first. Close the shutoff valve behind the toilet, or lift the tank lid and push the flapper down. Then clean up carefully and try to clear the clog only if it is safe.
Stop the Water
The shutoff valve is usually on the wall or floor behind the toilet. Turn it clockwise to close it. If it is stuck, do not force it, because old valves can break. Instead, lift the tank lid and press the flapper closed, or lift the float to stop the tank from filling.
Flushing a clogged toilet sends more water into the bowl. Wait until the clog is cleared before you try again.
Clean Up Safely
Overflow water may contain waste, so wear gloves. Soak up water with old towels, then clean the floor with soap and water and disinfect it. If water may have seeped toward the ceiling of an apartment below, let your neighbor and your super know.
Try a Plunger Gently
A flange plunger, the kind made for toilets, can clear many simple clogs. Make a tight seal, then push and pull firmly. Stop if the water rises close to the rim. Avoid chemical drain cleaners in a toilet. They can splash and may damage parts.
When to Call a Plumber
Call for help if the toilet still will not drain, or if something solid, like a toy, went down. Water coming up in the tub when you flush can point to a clog in the main line. In those cases, calling a plumber to fix the toilet is the safer choice.
Flush only toilet paper. Wipes, even ones labeled flushable, can cause clogs.
If your toilet keeps overflowing, JPR Plumbing can take a look. When clogs keep coming back in more than one bathroom, a closer look at the drains throughout the home may reveal a shared cause. Call (833) 603-1840.