Toilet overflow is one of the most common and irritating household plumbing problems. Even if the water is not overflowing, cleaning drains in a hassle. According to Save water save money, a leaking toilet can waste as much as 400 litres of water every day. So you can assume how much water can be wasted with a toilet overflow if it is not taken care of immediately.
You can also suffer from several health hazards as the wastewater contains dangerous waterborne bacterial pathogens, such as E. coli, Salmonella, Shigella, Vibrio, and Campylobacter pathogen strains.
But don’t worry! In this blog, we will go through why do toilets overflow, how to fix an overflowing toilet, and, if the drain unclogging gets out of your hands, how plumbing professionals in Toronto can help you to fix toilet overflow in the blink of an eye.
What Is The Cause of A Toilet Overflow?
Mostly toilet overflow happens if there is a clog of some type, such as too much toilet paper or materials that aren’t flushable (such as feminine care products or baby wipes) etc. It’s also possible that your septic tank is full, causing your toilet to back up.
If you notice clean water instead of wastewater, the reason is most probably an issue with your tank. Examine the tank for a broken float or a blocked handle. Once the problem has been identified, turn off the water at the water shutoff valve and make repairs.
Toilet overflows can also be caused by old plumbing pipes or poorly fitted pipes. If this is the case, you can choose Citizen Plumbing, one of the best plumbing services in Toronto, to fix toilet overflow at an affordable price.
Check out our blog on Say Goodbye to Drain Blockages: Prevent Clogged Drains with Expert Advice to learn more detailed causes of toilet overflow and how plumbing professionals in Toronto can help you out in this situation!
How to Fix A Toilet Overflow In 5 Easy Steps
- Turn Off the Water Shutoff Valve
The first thing you need to do is to find the water shutoff valve near the base of your toilet. Turn off the valve until the water stops flowing to avoid further overflow. If your toilet does not have one, open the tank and rig the float to stay in place and prevent any further water from entering the tank.
- Purify The Water
Remove any water that has spilt over the bowl and onto the floor as soon as possible. To clean up tiny spills, use towels, and for bigger spills or to soak water out of the carpet and other materials, use a Shop-Vac. (If you don’t know what shop-Vac is, check out this blog from Home Vacuum Zone.)
- Clean Surfaces
Be careful when cleaning drains and disinfecting any surfaces in your bathroom that have been contaminated by toilet water. Bleach and antibacterial cleaning solutions (such as Lysol and Clorox) work well to disinfect.
However, check the bottle to ensure your chosen product is safe for your specific floor material. If you have stone flooring, use a pH-neutral cleaner to avoid harming the surface while still cleaning it.
- Clear The Clog
Put on some rubber gloves and try to remove any unusual objects that are blocking the toilet from flushings, such as a children’s toy or a cosmetic product.
If a clog causes the toilet to overflow, your initial action should be an attempt to drain unclogging. Grab a toilet plunger and try to release it. If you don’t have a toilet plunger, a sink plunger may help, but it won’t be as effective.
You might also try snaking a drain line if you can access one. If the preceding solutions don’t work and you have a really stubborn clog, you could try using a toilet auger (also known as a plumber’s snake), which can reach further into the toilet to loosen the blockage.
If you have time, you can unclog your toilet using baking soda and vinegar. Allow one cup of baking soda and one cup of vinegar to remain in the toilet for around eight hours. The chemical interaction between the two chemicals may aid in the breakdown of whatever is obstructing the drain.
After you’ve successfully cleared the clog, properly clean the toilet before using it again.
- If All Else Fails, Employ A Professional
Chronic toilet overflow may be a reason to seek professional assistance. If you’ve decided that a simple blockage isn’t the issue and your septic tank has recently been drained, it might be a more significant problem with your plumbing system that requires the services of a skilled plumber. According to Forbes, a plumber normally costs between $45 and $200 per hour.
If you have a full septic tank, you may hire a professional septic tank cleaning service to come to your home and empty the septic tank.
Suppose you are looking for a reliable plumbing service in Toronto to handle your toilet overflow and other plumbing issues. In that case, Citizen Plumbing can offer you one of the best plumbing services in Toronto. We offer free inspection and efficient plumbing solutions to homeowners all over Toronto.
How To Prevent Toilet Overflow In The Future
- Reduce your use of toilet paper if you need more, and flush many times.
- Do not flush feminine hygiene items into the toilet. Even if the product claims to be flushable, always dispose of it in the nearest trash can.
- Keep little things that may easily fall in the tank and the counter area near the toilet uncluttered. Smaller things may slip down the drain unnoticed and be flushed, causing a blockage. By leaving enough room surrounding the toilet, you may reduce the likelihood of this happening.
- Child-proof your toilet seat to keep children and dogs from accidentally dropping non-flushable things into the bowl.
- If your toilet is frequently blocked, consider replacing it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, dealing with a toilet overflow can be a frustrating and potentially hazardous situation. However, there is no need to panic, as we have provided valuable information on why do toilets overflow, how to fix them, and the availability of professional plumbing services in Toronto.
By understanding the causes of toilet overflow, such as clogs or issues with the tank, you can take appropriate measures to resolve the problem. The step-by-step guide provided in this blog offers practical solutions by which you can easily learn how to fix an overflowing toilet. From turning off the water shutoff valve, snaking a drain line and cleaning up the affected areas and, these steps can help you tackle the issue effectively.
Nevertheless, if you find yourself unable to resolve the problem or suspect a more significant plumbing issue, it is wise to seek the assistance of professionals. Plumbing services like Citizen Plumbing in Toronto offer expertise and efficient solutions, ensuring your toilet overflow is fixed promptly and affordably.
Remember, a toilet overflow is a common plumbing problem that can be resolved with the right knowledge and actions. By following the suggestions in this blog and seeking professional help when necessary, you can maintain a functional and problem-free toilet in your home. Don’t let a toilet overflow dampen your spirits, take control of the situation and ensure a smooth and hassle-free plumbing experience.
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