An overflowing toilet is bad news. It means the wastewater and other products you normally see disappearing down the sewer pipe are actually coming back up it. The result is raw sewage on your bathroom floor and a risk to your health. Naturally, the wastewater and solids will penetrate your bathroom floor and furnishings; it is likely they will all need to be replaced. You will need to act quickly to prevent the waste from spreading to other parts of your home. It is a good idea to call your local, qualified, and reputable Sydney plumber. While you are waiting for them to arrive you can take the following three steps to stop an overflowing toilet:
Step 1 – Shut Off the Water
The first thing you need to do when you discover your toilet is overflowing is to shut off the water supply to your toilet. You can also lift the cistern lid off and make sure the float is in the up position.
This is useful as it prevents any additional water from heading into the toilet and making the problem worse.
There should be a valve on the supply to the cistern but if you can’t find it shut the water off to your house and then look for a closer valve.
Step 2 – Use a Plunger
The main reason that a toilet is overflowing is because of a blockage in the pipes. This is preventing the water from going down the sewers and forcing it back into your house.
Of course, this can also happen if the water board has a blockage in the main sewers or there is an excessive amount of flooding
You can use a plunger to attempt to unblock the toilet. This may work. However, a plunger usually only deals with a blockage in the pipes close to the toilet.
When the toilet is overflowing it is likely that the blockage is further down the sewer line. Of course, it is still; worth a try.
If you have the tools you can use a drain camera or drain rods to check the main drains and locate the blockage. You may even be able to dislodge it. But, proceed with caution.
You should never use a chemical unblocking when dealing with an overflowing toilet as this is simply adding chemicals to the water spilling into your home. That is not a good idea.
Step 3 – Let the Professionals Do Their Job
Your plumber will be able to locate the issue in your drains and even unblock them for you. Even if you have managed to get the water moving in the right direction again, it is a good idea to get the professionals to check your system and make sure that it isn’t about to happen again.
You’ll then be able to carefully clean up the mess and, if necessary, speak to your insurance company about the incident and how to make the appropriate claim.
Don’t forget, regular maintenance and inspection will help to prevent this type of thing from ever happening.
