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.
If the toilet begins to overflow immediately after a flush, it's likely that the toilet itself is clogged. First, stop the flow of water into the toilet to minimize flood damage. Remove the tank lid and press down on the flapper valve (don't worry, the water inside the tank is clean).
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.
Start with a Plunger
While a toilet plunger may not be a very high-tech solution, it's often the most effective and best way to unclog a toilet. In fact, most clogged toilets can usually be cleared with a simple plunger. Just make sure that you use the right kind of plunger as there are sink plungers as well.
Reduced Pressure Zone (RPZ) Valves: Mechanical devices that prevent backflow by using a double-check valve system. They're best suited for high-risk properties, like those with boilers or fire sprinkler systems. Pressure Vacuum Breaker (PVB) Assemblies: These use air to break the siphon and prevent backflow.
Another possibility is that the flapper valve that seals between the tank and the bowl isn't sealing properly, allowing water to constantly leak into the bowl. If it weren't for the blockage, you might never notice this leaking issue, because the toilet will flush itself when the water in the bowl rises high enough.
Use Baking Soda To Unclog a Toilet – Something a little stronger than dish soap for dealing with a clogged toilet is a baking soda/vinegar combination. Pour 1 cup of baking soda and 2 cups of vinegar into your toilet. It will begin to fizz but this is okay. Let it sit for about 30 minutes and then try a test flush.
One of the strongest substances for unclogging a toilet is a commercial drain cleaner specifically designed for toilet clogs. These cleaners typically contain powerful chemicals that dissolve organic matter and stubborn blockages.
If your toilet is backing up, it may be due to your tank not having enough water to flush it. Low tank water levels may result from several causes. Damaged water supply lines, broken tank seals, and other issues may prevent tanks from filling completely. Some toilet models may also have low flush strength.
Look at the fill valve
You can also try adjusting the fill valve. Turn the adjustment screw of the fill valve to change the water level. You can check your toilet's instruction manual for help if you need it. If you don't have your toilet instructions (who does?!), it might be easier to call a local plumber.
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.
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.
Often you can set the water level by adjusting the float. Toilets with ball floats and arms usually have adjustment screws or dials to raise or lower the arm. If your toilet mechanism has a cylinder float, squeeze the float clip to release the float so you can slide it up or down to the correct level.
Plunge the toilet 15-20 times to clear the clog. If the plunger doesn't clear the blockage, use a drain auger to snake the pipe. If your toilet won't stop filling, replace the flapper and/or fill valve in the tank. If you can't remove the clog or stop the overflowing, contact a professional plumber.
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.
A Clogged or Blocked Drain
Water will overflow from the toilet's bowl rather than the tank, causing a huge mess. In order to stop the overflow, you must treat the clog. For simple clogs, a plunger and some elbow grease will usually do the trick.
Check for leaks at the base, water supply line, and tank-to-bowl connection. Also take a look at the water level in the tank and the flapper seal. Clean your toilet tank to prevent mineral deposits from forming and creating issues for the interal components. Keep the jet holes and toilet bowl clean as well.
Make your own drain cleaner by pouring one cup of baking soda and two cups of vinegar into the toilet and adding a half gallon of hot water. Dish soap can also help loosen some obstructions. When using either method, allow the solution to sit overnight and then flush the toilet to see if the obstruction has cleared.
Unblock the drain: If the backup is caused by a clogged drain, use a plunger or a plumbing snake to clear the obstruction. Alternatively, you may need to contact a professional plumber.
Prop Up the Float Lever or Ball
Force the overflowing toilet to stop filling by propping up the float lever. To do this, first remove the toilet tank lid. Inside, you'll find a float valve near the water's surface. When you flush, this valve descends, opening the fill valve to let water into the tank.
A basic plunger is usually all you need, though plungers with a flange on the bottom work better to unclog toilets. If a plunger fails to resolve the clog, a toilet auger is worth a try. In rare cases, you may need to shut off the water and remove a portion of the pipes to dislodge the blockage.