What Causes a Toilet to Overflow?

Here at Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we understand how frustrating it can be to deal with an overflowing toilet. As a top-rated plumbing service with decades of experience, we are available to answer your call and restore your toilet to good working order.

Why Is My Toilet Overflowing?

• You Have a Blocked Toilet Drain

One of the most common reasons for an overflowing toilet is a clogged drain. Toilet drain clogs have many causes, from flushing inappropriate items like diapers to mineral buildup and pipe damage. While it’s relatively easy to clear minor clogs using a toilet plunger or a drain snake, more stubborn clogs require more than DIY techniques. If your DIY efforts do not work and you still have an overflowing toilet, call a nearby plumbing repair service for help.

• Blocked Vent Pipe

Your plumbing system comprises vent pipes that help to maintain proper air pressure within the drainage pipes. If debris, leaves, dirt, or anything else blocks these vents, your toilet won’t be able to flush correctly and may overflow. Other signs of a blocked vent pipe include foul smells coming from drains, slow drains, or gurgling noises coming from the pipes. Fixing blocked vent pipes requires the skills and expertise of a professional plumbing service.

• Sewer Line Blockage

A blockage in the main sewer line can affect multiple toilets and drains in a household. Tree roots, grease buildup, or non-biodegradable items can cause obstructions in the sewer line, leading to sewage backups and overflows.

• Toilet Component Malfunction

Problems with the internal components of the toilet itself can also lead to overflows. A worn-out or misaligned flapper, a faulty fill valve, or other mechanical issues can disrupt the toilet's normal functioning, resulting in excessive water levels and overflows. If you’ve noticed signs of a toilet malfunction, get in touch with Mr. Rooter Plumbing for toilet repair.

How to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

• Turn off the water supply: Locate the shut-off valve behind the toilet and turn it clockwise.
• Remove the tank lid: This will give you access to the toilet's internal components.
• Manually close the flapper: The flapper is the rubber seal at the bottom of the tank. Press it down to stop water flow.
• Lift the float: If the flapper doesn't stop the water, lift the float—the ball-shaped or cup-shaped device to shut off the water supply.
• Scoop out excess water: Use a bucket or plunger to remove excess water from the bowl.
• Clean up: Mop up any spilled water and disinfect the area.

Once you’ve contained the situation, try DIY methods such as plunging the clog or snaking the drain. If none of them work, call a professional plumbing repair service to address the underlying issue.

Get Help from Mr. Rooter Plumbing

At Mr. Rooter Plumbing, we’ve resolved every toilet issue under the sun, from overflowing toilets to clogged toilets and flushing issues. When you’re in need of professional toilet replacement or repair, contact us online or give us a call to schedule service with our experienced team.