There is nothing more stressful than dealing with an overflowing toilet. However, everyone knows that panicking will not lead to anything good. If there is one immediate thing you need to do in this scenario, it’s to act on it fast. Still, not everyone is familiar with the actions necessary to stop an overflowing toilet. The good news is that this article will enumerate every step you need to take to deal with a clogged toilet.

Step 1: Get Some Towels

Anticipate that the water could overflow at any time, especially when you know that your toilet is clogged. Before that happens and before you do anything else, make sure that you grab your towels and place them on the floor to catch whatever water would leak. 

Step 2: Stop the Flowing Water

The next step is to stop the source of water. Your toilet might overflow because the water keeps on filling it up. Take the tank’s lid and make sure that the flapper is down by pressing on it. The pressure should prevent more water from escaping and entering the bowl. 

Once the flapper is already managed, you should expect no more water to enter the bowl. To make sure that nothing else would escape, consider turning off the water source going to the water tank. Usually, the toilets have their water control right underneath the tank. Turn it to stop the water flow, but make sure to do this carefully because turning the knob too tight can also damage the waterline. 

Step 3: Drain the Water With a Plunger

Now, it is time to deal with the water clog itself. So, grab your ever-reliable plunger and start addressing the clog. Here is the proper way to unclog a toilet using a plunger:

• Place your plunger at the opening of the trapway.
• Start pumping down a few times. Do this with utmost care as too many motions could cause water spillage.
• Complete a few more pumps, and the water should start draining right away. 
• If nothing happens, it only means you are dealing with a bigger problem. It is best to call an emergency plumber right away. 

Step 4: Clean Up the Spilled Water Right Away

If you fail to stop the water from overflowing right away, you need to deal with the spilled water as fast as possible. Water with urine and fecal matter elements is the last thing you want lying around your bathroom floor. If you let it stay there for a long time, it will not only bring health hazards to you, but it could also get caught and absorbed by the wood floors, linoleum, and cracks of your tiles. 

The best way to get rid of this water waste is to use disposable paper towels or a rag dedicated to the toilet. Let these materials absorb everything, and then use a surface cleaner to kill any remaining bacteria. Also, wash your rag thoroughly and use bleach to disinfect it. 

Conclusion

The most important thing to remember when dealing with clogged toilets is to act on them fast. Instead of freezing, make sure to prioritize stopping the water from overflowing. You can only determine what next steps you should take after that―whether to call a professional plumber or manage it yourself.

Should you need an emergency plumber contact in Oak Park, make sure to call Candu Plumbing & Rooter. We can take care of your toilet clog problems and other water leak repairs in the area. We have highly trained plumbers at your service, and we offer a 24/7 service. Contact us today!