After Your Toilet Overflows

6/3/2020 (Permalink)

3 Steps To Take When Your Toilet Overflows

Toilets are the workhorses of the bathroom, so naturally, they occasionally malfunction. One of the most common outcomes of a toilet issue is an overflow, an outpouring of water that can be messy and even dangerous if water is contaminated. Whether caused by sewer damage or an everyday clog, a flooded toilet can pose a fast-moving crisis. Don’t panic. Use these tips to be ready when your Longview home faces this common household calamity.

Why Toilets Overflow

The first thought when a toilet overflows is a clog or even sewer damage, but many things can cause your bowl to shut down. Causes include:

• Stopped up toilet traps
• Blocked drain pipes
• Clogged sewer lines

Whatever the cause, the outcome is the same, a bathroom flooded with gray water. It’s key to know what steps to act fast to minimize damage.

Stop the Water

Immediately reach behind your toilet and find the water shut off valve. If you don’t have one, try opening the tank and removing or blocking the float so it won’t keep letting water fill the tank.

Clean Up

Toilet overflow water is considered contaminated gray water at best and black water if it contains human waste. It’s important after a toilet overflow that you immediately use towels to clean up the water. Wash or dispose of them afterward.

Find the Blockage

In cases where you are certain something is blocking the toilet, try removing it either by hand or with a plunger. Be sure to wear gloves to avoid contaminating your hands. If you can’t find the object or it’s too stuck, it’s time to call a plumber or sewage company.

Bad pipes, clogs or even sewer damage can cause toilet overflows in the blink of an eye. Know how to handle them. Use these tips to stop the flow of water then call your local sewage removal experts for extensive cleanup.