Act Fast! Tips To Handle A Backed-Up Toilet Quickly

Posted on: 14 November 2019

You made your way to the bathroom and took care of your personal business, but when you flush the toilet, disaster strikes! Not only does the toilet not flush, but the bowl also starts to fill up with water so quickly that you immediately get concerned the thing is going to start spilling out on the floor. Yes, you may have to call a toilet backup repair service for emergency help, but there are also a few things you have to do in the meantime. Here are a few steps to take if your toilet is in the process of overflowing. 

Stop the inflowing water as fast as possible. 

Your toilet is probably overflowing because what was already in the bowl did not go down before you flushed the handle to signal it to flush and refill. Your first action should be to stop the inflow of water as fast as possible. To do this, you can either turn off the main water supply to the tank or manually go in and push the flapper down inside the tank so water can't get into the bowl. Either action will likely stop more water from getting in the bowl, and hopefully, you can manage to do this before the water reaches the top of the bowl's rim. 

Grab a plunger and do your best. 

Yes, a plunger is one of the most basic plumbing tools ever, but these tools are still often effective in relieving a backed-up toilet or drain. Believe it or not, using a plunger takes a little skill and maybe even a little practice. You should: 

  • Position the plunger over the hole in the toilet and make sure it is seated firmly. 
  • Give the plunger a quick, brisk push toward the hole while trying to hold it in the right position. 
  • Release the suction and wait to see if drainage starts. 

If you see no results after a few pushes, it is best to set the plunger aside and wait for a pro; the clog may be deeper, and pushing more could exacerbate the situation. 

Use something to break up the solids in the water. 

If the solids in the water are too dense or if there is a lot of paper in the water that will not go down, you should use something to try to break the matter up. Something simple like baking soda and vinegar may help break up solid pieces of waste and toilet paper. 

To learn more, contact a company like Rob's Septic Tanks Inc.

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