If your toilet is overflowing and you can't get the shut-off valve to budge, your next stop should be to check the flapper. Remove the tank lid and look for a hinged rubber disc covering a hole at the bottom. If that disc (flapper) is open, reach in and close it manually. This should stop the flow of water.
Use a Plunger: If the toilet is still overflowing, it may be clogged. Use a plunger to create suction and clear the blockage. Try a Toilet Auger: If plunging doesn't work, a toilet auger can help reach deeper clogs. Once the issue is resolved, turn the shutoff valve counterclockwise to restore the water supply.
The Toilet Won't Stop Running
A constantly running toilet may be due to the tank water level being too high, which causes water to flow over the top of the overflow tube and into the tank. To adjust, bend the float arm downward until the float reaches the level that shuts off the water.
In older toilets, you'll need to adjust the float cup by bending the metal rod or float arm attached to it. In modern or newer toilets, push the floater clip, or turn the screw of the flush rod. Keep adjusting the rod until the water supply stops running when the tank empties and then refills from the fill valve.
The water level should be approximately half an inch to one inch below the highest point of the overflow tube. If the toilet water level is too high, the toilet may overflow; if it is too low, it may not flush properly.
Start with a plunger to address any potential clogs, and if that doesn't work, check the tank's flapper valve, float, or fill valve for any issues and make necessary adjustments or replacements.
Substances like toilet paper and fecal matter will eventually dissolve within the toilet drain and clear the clog organically. However, blockages made from insoluble materials won't resolve on their own and typically require you to fix the clog manually or contact a professional before they worsen.
Check your water levels
Low water levels in your tank are common causes of toilets filling up with water when flushed. They can also cause slow-draining toilets. You can manually top up your tank with water to help the flush. Then, check the flush tube for cracks and bends that lead to leaks.
Drano for toilets is a popular choice for many homeowners when dealing with stubborn clogs. This powerful product has been a trusted solution for many years, effectively breaking down and dislodging blockages that can cause significant inconvenience and potential damage in the bathroom.
Simply add a bit of dish soap around the hole in the toilet. Add hot water and let sit for about 20 minutes. Then flush. The soap and hot water should lubricate the clog enough to clear it.
Unblocking your toilet using washing up liquid
Start by squeezing in about half a bottle of the washing up liquid, which will then sink to the bottom of the toilet bowl. Next, pour in the bucket of water to flush the washing up liquid down the u-bend. With a bit of luck, this will clear the blockage.
As it turns out, you can actually unclog a toilet with dish soap instead of turning to a harsh, toxic bowl cleaner. Just as natural dish soap helps break down dirt, grease, and food that may be stuck on dishes and utensils, it can help break down what's in your toilet bowl.
Fill a bucket with hot, but not quite boiling water and pour it directly into the drain. The combination of heat and pressure can sometimes be enough to clear minor blockages such as soap scum build-up.
A lye-based drain cleaner, that's usually the most common kind. Many times straight chlorine bleach will work, but do not mix with anything else—-AT ALL!
You can adjust the water level by twisting the “Tank water level adjustment screw” connected to the float. Turn Clockwise for a higher water level and Counterclockwise for a lower water level.
You can try using a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear the clog. If these methods don't work, you may need to contact a professional plumber to resolve the issue. Malfunctioning Flapper Valve: Another common cause of a toilet filling up with water after flushing is a malfunctioning flapper valve.
High Filler Float: A high filter float can cause the tank to overfill. The float controls the tank's water level. If it is set too high, the water will continue to fill past the proper level, eventually spilling into the overflow tube. Faulty Fill Valve: A faulty fill valve can cause the tank to fill too much.
Cause 1 – Flapper Chain
Sometimes the chain will become disconnected. Next, shake the flush lever and see if there is too little or too much slack in the chain. If it's too short, water will continue to leak into the bowl because the flapper isn't sealed.
Hot Water and Dish Soap
When the water is extremely hot, but not boiling, pour into the toilet carefully. Wait for 10-15 minutes while the dish soap and hot water soften the clog. Once you do so, the toilet will unclog and flush freely.