Toilet overflows cause water damage in Murrieta and have homeowners spending hours cleaning up the mess. Learn more about what causes toilet overflows, the next steps, and how to fix toilet overflows and water damage
A toilet overflow is an unwelcome sight, to say the least.
Anytime something in your bathroom malfunctions, it's unpleasant. But with an overflowing toilet, it's in a league all its own.
What is a toilet overflow? What causes them? And how do you fix one?
We'll explain, in detail, what to do when your toilet overflows, and a few crucial ways to prevent future overflowing. Plus, we'll explain the next steps you must take.
So how did you find yourself in this predicament? It's well worth examining why toilets clog and how to stop overflowing toilets from causing further water damage.
Toilets are meant to dispose of waste and tissue paper. When homeowners flush too much at one time or items that aren't meant to be flushed, they'll run into a clogged toilet. Here are some things to avoid flushing.
Sometimes, you yourself may not be the problem at all. Instead, your area’s sewer lines may be backed up, leaving you in a bad spot.
If you don’t push the toilet handle all the way, you allow clogs to form in the long run. Ensure you’re holding the toilet handle down all the way.
Acting quickly in this situation can mean the difference between some mild to moderate bathroom cleanup to costly water damage. Take note of these easy steps to take when your toilet overflows.
Don't panic! Your first (and best) step should be to turn off the water valve near the toilet. This valve, which you've probably not utilized until now, helps stop water flow to the toilet. Turn the toilet valve to the left, then assess water damage and move forward with dealing with clogs.
If for some reason, you can't find or operate the valve properly, you need to deal with the tank. Carefully lift the toilet tank's lid and take a look inside. Search for the 'flapper,' a rubber cover sealing the opening between the toilet bowl and your tank. When the flapper is open, water can flow into the toilet bowl freely, potentially causing water damage to your bathroom.
Ensure that the flapper is clamped down over the opening; you'll need to use your hands to push it down. The flapper is connected to the toilet handle by a chain. Ensure this chain is connected and in working order.
The toilet float ball is a large rubber ball that rises and falls based on the water level in the tank. The float ball is in place to let more water into the toilet bowl. It also stops the water flow. After opening the tank, lift the float ball to stop the water flow.
If the float ball, flapper, or even the chain connecting the parts, is rusty or worn, you must replace them as soon as possible.
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Now that the water isn't flowing into the toilet bowl anymore, it's time to get to work. There are a few ways to unclog your toilet and minimize water damage from a toilet overflowing.
The first plan of possible action is using the trusty plunger. A plunger uses pressure and suction to help dislodge a toilet clog. However, there are a few types of plungers.
There are two main types of plungers: flange and cup. Although using a plunger helps with toilet overflows, it's essential to know which kind of plunger to use in which situation.
For example, flange plungers have a smaller cup extended down below the main plunger. This flange is the key to dislodging a clog. The flange maximizes pressure and fits around the drain. In short, it makes taking care of toilet clogs a breeze.
On the other hand, cup plungers are better suited for sink clogs. If your kitchen sink experiences blockages, opting for a cup plunger is your best bet.
Knowing the differences between these two types of plungers can help you keep a clean and tidy home.
Use a flange plunger for your toilet problems. While cup plungers may eventually work, they lack the same suction and fit, allowing you to unclog your toilet quickly. In short, if you don't have a flange plunger for your toilet, you have some work ahead of you.
If a plunger isn’t working properly, using a toilet snake or toilet auger is another method of clog removal.
The toilet auger helps you delve deeper into the drain to clear the obstruction.
Using a drain cleaner can help clear a clog. You can use a standard chemical cleaner or create your solution with baking soda, vinegar, and hot water. Here’s the recipe:
Either way, after pouring the drain cleaner into the toilet bowl, you must let the solution sit and begin breaking down the obstruction.
Regardless if your toilet overflowed in the past or has yet to, you must take specific steps to ensure it never happens. Here are some simple tips to prevent toilet clogs and costly water damage.
As we said, you can't just flush anything down the toilet. This means avoiding wet wipes, which can cause massive damage not only to your pipes but to sewer pipes, too. Wet wipes are especially effective at clogging pipes, as people assume you can flush them freely. However, it’s simply not the case. You can technically flush wet wipes down the toilet, but you shouldn’t depend on them. They will likely accumulate and clog your pipes. They also don’t break down like standard toilet paper, creating a particular nuisance that can cost thousands of dollars of damage.
Sometimes prevention isn’t as simple as not flushing wet wipes. Sometimes, a home in a heavily wooded area can lead to growing roots entangling your pipes. Along with other outside factors like wily tree roots bumping up against lines underground, heavy storms can dislodge pipes and cause plumbing headaches. That's why contacting plumbers in Murrieta, and the Inland Empire is crucial to a flood-free future.
As Murrieta restoration and water damage experts, the team at 5 Star Restoration will be the first on the scene. For years, we've been helping homeowners recover from serious plumbing problems.
Although if your pipes are blocked, and the toilet overflow isn't easily remedied, you'll need to contact an Inland Empire plumber.
However, we'll help you decide what to do next, helping shut off your water to ensure no further water damage occurs on your property. We'll also help you contact a plumber who can get the job done right.
Likewise, if a toilet blockage causes severe damage to your home, we can help you get everything to call your insurance company. With plumbing problems, you need to act quickly. And with 5 Star Restoration in Murrieta, your home is in good hands.
If you are not sure your location is in the areas we cover, or if you'd just like to chat or ask a question, give us a call.
We are committed to an excellent finished product and even better customer service. Rest assured that when we show up for your restoration needs, you'll be informed, confident and stress-free.
