You are trapped in a bathroom by yourself dealing with an overflowing toilet. It is one of the most embarrassing things that can happen. So much so that there are countless movie scenes dedicated to that moment. It is panic inducing. What are you supposed to do? How can you make it stop? Today we will talk about what to do when you have an overflowing toilet.

The Valve

Firstly, if the toilet is precariously full, find the valve at the back of the toilet. Then, turn it clockwise to shut of the water. This will not solve all your problems, but it will help to keep the situation from becoming any worse. If you get to this step soon enough, you can prevent any water damage to the floor around the toilet.

The Floor

If you did not get the water shut off in time and some water spilled onto the floor, you will want to get that cleaned up before you deal with the toilet itself. In order to prevent water damage, use towels to soak up the excess water. The contents of the toilet can wait until after this step is finished. You may need to use a wet vacuum to help with larger spills. A wet vac also helps remove excess moisture from any carpets or other fabrics. It is also a good idea to take some time to disinfect any surface that were dampened by the toilet water.

The Plunger

One of the best things you can do is to have a plunger at the ready. The next best thing is knowing how to use it properly. But a plunger will not help if you do not have the right kind or if you do not know how to use it to maximize its effectiveness. What you are trying to do is create a seal around the base of the plunger so that all the force you exert goes straight into the plumbing and not out around the sides.

One thing that will help is if you get a flange plunger. These plungers have a rubber piece that flares out the bottom to fit perfectly into the drain of your toilet. This is different from a cup plunger which is what most people think of when they hear the word “plunger.” Cup plungers are best reserved for use in flat surfaces like your kitchen sink. Using your flange plunger, be sure to press firmly and quickly straight down into the drain. This will ensure that all your force is directed toward the clog and will help to move whatever is blocking the drain out.

The Plumber

If you have tried everything else and the toilet is still not clear, then it is time to call a plumber. Leave the water to the toilet turned off, and call Conyers Plumbing right away to get your bathroom back in working order.