Overflowing Toilets? Don’t Panic, and Follow These Steps

When it comes to panic-inducing situations, encountering a clogged and overflowing toilet definitely ranks high on the list. While this rarely happens, it still pays to know a few steps you can take to get yourself out of that scenario.

Let our experts at Handyman Connection® of Grapevine walk you through unclogging an overflowing toilet and save you the frustration and potential embarrassment.

Tools and Materials You Will Need

You may not have access to tools should you face this problem anywhere else other than your own home. Regardless, there are only two main tools that you will need.

• Plunger – Invest in a quality toilet plunger. Note that this is different from a sink plunger, whose cone-shaped design is more familiar to most people. A toilet plunger will have an inner cup section more suited for the shape of a toilet drain.

• Plumbers’ auger – A plumbers’ auger will look like a drill with a manual hand-crank, and that’s because it is. But instead of drilling holes, it’s primary purpose is to remove anything that obstructs the drain pipe.

• Rubber O-ring – These serve as either a sealant or as washers for screwed-in fixtures.

Troubleshooting Steps

1. Open the tank lid, and press down the flapper to stop water from flowing into the bowl. Find the main water supply valve feeding the tank, and turn it off. Depending on the type of toilet you have, you’ll often find the valve behind the bowl and under the tank.

2. Press down on the toilet’s drain with the plunger. You may have to continue using the plunger for up to 10 minutes until the clog is cleared away.

3. If you’re not making any headway with the plunger, move on to using the auger. Place the drill end right at the drain, and begin cranking.

4. You can also use the plunger with the auger to reinforce its suction ability.

5. Most toilets share a drain pipe with the bathtub. Once you’ve cleared the clog in your toilet, check your bathtub for clogging as well.

Find everything you need for a successful DIY repair at Handyman Connection of Grapevine. We are your number one provider of bathroom repair and remodeling needs. Give us a call at (817) 533-4333, or fill out our online contact form to request an estimate today.