Have you ever experienced a situation where the water in the toilet bowl keeps rising even after you go in for the flush, and it seems like it won’t stop? What do you do in this kind of situation? The truth of the matter is, if you’re dealing with a situation where toilet water has spilled or is about to spill onto your bathroom floor, there’s not much you can do to prevent it at this point. However, there’s no need to panic. Take a deep breath and brace yourself because everything will be alright! Although you might not be able to avoid the chaos altogether, you can be equipped with the right information to efficiently handle the aftermath of an unpleasant situation. So, sit back and read these steps provided by your Gahanna Plumbing & Drain plumbing experts.
Step One – Shut Off the Water Valve:
In case of a toilet blockage, the first step is to locate and turn off the toilet shut-off valve, which is usually situated behind the toilet. You should look for a football-shaped valve and turn it clockwise. However, it’s essential to avoid flushing the toilet again as it may worsen the situation due to the clog hindering proper draining at the moment.
Step Two – Seal the Flapper Closed:
After turning off the toilet’s water supply, open the tank at the back of the toilet. Locate the rubber circle inside the tank that acts as a seal to prevent water from flowing into the toilet unless the flush lever is activated. You should find the rubber seal attached to either a metal lever or chain that connects to the flush handle. Push this rubber seal down gently to ensure that the water is effectively sealed.
Step Three – Tie Down the Float:
To stop the water from filling the toilet tank, locate the float cup or float ball inside the tank. It is responsible for regulating the water level. This is just a simple way to prevent the float from moving to immobilize the water flow, providing extra assurance that everything is secured.
Step Four – Remove the Excess Water:
Congratulations on successfully stopping the water flow! Now it’s important to start the cleanup process. Begin by removing the water from the overfilled toilet bowl to prevent it from overflowing once the toilet is fixed. Since the toilet is not draining, it will require some effort on your part. First off, if there is any waste or debris in the water, take precautions during cleanup. Safety and hygiene should be prioritized. Therefore, you should consider using gloves if you have some on hand. Then begin by picking up any solids/waste and placing them in a trash bag carefully. (Just don’t forget to take the trash out as soon as possible when everything is resolved.) You will need to clean up the excess water from the toilet bowl the old-fashioned way; do this by using a bucket or container to scoop the excess water out of the bowl gradually and pour it into the bathtub or sink.
Another thing to consider is your floors. Water damage can be very costly to fix. So, it’s imperative to get them cleaned up as fast as possible. Now would be a great time to utilize your wet vacuum if you have one. If you have solid flooring, use any available materials like towels, rags, a mop, or paper towels to clean up the spill. If the spill has reached a carpeted area, place towels flat on the carpet and add a heavy object on top of them to absorb the water. Keep in mind that you want to allow the towels enough time to absorb the water on the carpet. Ensure that the draining, disposal, and soaking processes are done correctly before proceeding to disinfect the flooring and bathroom accordingly.
Step Five – Take Care of the Blockage:
Now onto addressing that clog! Grab your plunger to clear the toilet by placing it over the drain in the bottom of the bowl. Ensure the plunger is completely submerged in water and use it to dislodge any blockages. If the toilet still does not drain, this may mean there is a larger plumbing issue going on, in which case, it is recommended to seek professional assistance. So, if you have attempted to unclog the toilet multiple times with no success, don’t hesitate to contact us for assistance. We are happy to help!
If your toilet is indeed draining again, congratulations! Though it wasn’t an easy feat, you did it! Before wrapping everything up, make sure to readjust everything back to normal, place the tank cover back on, and turn the water valve back on again too!
Call Gahanna Plumbing & Drain today at (614) 245-2256 or schedule an appointment online now by clicking here!