What to Do If the Toilet Overflows

“Mom! The toilet is overflowing!” No one ever wants to hear those words come from the bathroom. Whether your little one used too much toilet paper or took their brother’s favorite toy for a ride in the toilet, we have the tools for you to handle it!

As our trusted home services experts, Rodenhiser Home Services is giving us the need-to-know best practices for what to do when you hear those four awful words: “The toilet is overflowing!”

Here’s what to do if you find yourself in that messy situation.

Step 1: Do NOT flush again

In a panic, it’s easy to flush again hoping the issue will resolve itself, but don’t do it!! If water is rising after you flush, it means the water’s unable to drain, so there will be even more water flooding your floors if you continue to flush.

Step 2: Turn off the water supply

It’s easier to stop the water than you thought! Your toilet’s water shut-off valve is located on the left-hand side connected to either the wall or floor. Turn the water shut-off valve clockwise to prevent more water from entering your toilet. If you’re feeling resistance, don’t force the valve or it may break. Let the water shut off on its own.

You can breathe! With the water supply cut off from the toilet, you’ve controlled the issue and stopped it from being a bigger mess. Good job, Mom!

Step 3: Remove excess water

After stopping the water from overflowing, be sure to clean up the floors with an old towel to avoid water damage.

Step 4: Plunge the toilet

Use a plunger to unclog the toilet and get the water flushing through. Major crisis averted!

If you can’t unclog it, suspect there’s another issue, or are interested in learning more about toilets engineered not to clog, contact our friends at Rodenhiser Home Services. Tell them Boston Moms sent you!

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