Toilet Troubles: A Homeowner’s Guide to a Toilet Overflowing in Toronto

Our home plumbing system works hard to remain unnoticed. A key part of your home's functioning is the plumbing. Running water every which way through our homes provides us with the utmost convenience. Our toilets are just one part of this massive network of pipes and drains, all connected together under one roof. We have all been there: you hit your toilet flapper expecting the water to flush away, and instead, it just begins to rise and rise. Now your feet and socks are wet, and the worry about water damage and bacteria starts to set in. This is a common story when it comes to a toilet overflowing.

Toronto residents, when the plunger isn't enough to fix your clogged toilet, don't panic: just contact your local Toronto plumber, and they'll be there in a hurry to get your plumbing issue sorted. It can be difficult to determine what the culprit is and what can be done about a constantly overflowing toilet.

It is a key plumbing fixture that keeps us safe from bacteria and waste. Keep reading below to find out how a toilet clog can be a deeper-rooted issue in your home's plumbing system. A toilet overflowing in Toronto may be a tale as old as time, but it can have a happy ending.

What to Do if You Have an Overflowing Toilet

Toronto residents, do not panic. You might be asking yourself this question ankle-deep in bathroom floor water, but there are some things you should do immediately should your toilet start to overflow. Remember: Do not continue to flush the toilet; it will only worsen the situation. Instead, follow these steps:

  1. Stop the water flow: Remove the tank lid and lift the float, or you can completely turn off the water supply valve located near the base of the toilet to stop water from entering the tank. If it is necessary, you can also turn off your home’s main water supply.
  2. Clear the clog: Use a plunger or toilet auger to attempt to clear any clogs once you have stopped the overflow. Avoid using harsh chemicals to solve this problem.
  3. Clean up: Clean the mess quickly with a mop or towel to reduce the chance of water damage. Then disinfect the area.
  4. Call a professional: Should these steps not have remedied your problem, call Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto for prompt, reliable service.

Why Your Toilet is Overflowing

So, why is your toilet overflowing? Toronto homeowners might be scratching their heads, wondering how it happened. There are a myriad of reasons this frustrating and messy problem could be happening. These include:

  • Clogged drain lines: The most common problem is a clogged drain line due to excessive flushing of toilet paper or a non-flushable item getting flushed down the toilet. This is hard on your plumbing system and can cause issues with fixtures like your toilet.
  • Blocked vent pipe: A blocked vent pipe can prevent air from entering the system, this creates a vacuum that hinders proper drainage and causes toilet overflow. Toronto plumbers can help address this problem.
  • Sewer line breakage: Issues can include tree roots or debris that have worked their way into the sewer line. This causes sewage backup and overflow.
  • Full or obstructed septic tank: If you are connected to a septic tank, any obstructions can cause overflow, including a full or malfunctioning tank.
  • High filler float: If the float inside the tank of your toilet is set too high, it can cause the toilet tank to overflow and spill into the bowl of the toilet.
  • Faulty fill valve: A malfunctioning fill valve may not shut off properly. This allows too much water into the fill tank, which causes toilet overflows in Toronto homes.
  • Weak flushing power: Some toilets do not have the flushing power required to appropriately clear themselves out. This can cause buildup to form clogs over time, leading to toilet overflows.

Whatever the reason may be, you can be sure that your Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto team of experts has you covered for all your plumbing diagnoses and repair needs.

7 Tips to Stop Your Toilet from Overflowing

Is your toilet overflowing? Toronto residents surely don’t want to have that problem ever. We offer a series of preventive measures to help reduce the risk of having to deal with that potential mess. Our team of expert plumbers is always ready to help you set up a maintenance plan, but until then, here are seven toilet overflowing prevention tips you can use.

  1. Regular Maintenance: Inspect your plumbing fixtures and internal components of your toilet to ensure proper function. This includes the flapper, fill valve, and float. Consider having a professional plumber perform this check annually to catch potential issues before they escalate.
  2. Mind What You Flush: Non-flushable items, such as wipes, feminine hygiene products, paper towels, and other non-biodegradable objects, can cause clogs that lead to overflows. Educate your household on what to flush and what not to flush.
  3. Monitor Water Levels: Ensure your float is set correctly in the back of your toilet; it can cause the tank to overfill and lead to an overflow of water. Check your fill valve as well to ensure it is not allowing excess water into the tank.
  4. Clear blockages promptly: If you notice your drain is draining slowly or you have gurgling sounds after you flush, use a toilet plunger or toilet auger to clear those minor clogs before they become major blockages. Also, avoid chemical drain cleaners, as they can damage your pipes.
  5. Maintain Vent Pipes: Inspect your vent pipes to make sure they are not blocked by debris like nests and branches. This limits draining and can lead to overflow issues.
  6. Install a backflow preventer: This device is installed on water pipes, allowing the water to only flow in one direction. This way, polluted water can’t backflow into your clean water system.
  7. Know How to Shut off the water supply: You and your family should familiarize yourself with the location of the toilet’s shut off valve. Consider also showing them the location of your home’s water supply shut-off valve. Should any incidents occur, your family will be prepared to handle them.

Is Your Toilet Overflowing? Toronto Residents Can Avoid Toilet Troubles with Mr. Rooter of Toronto

If you're experiencing an overflowing toilet in Toronto, you don't have to panic: the toilet plumbing professionals are here to get your toilet running well again. Should your toilet need repair or replacement, or if the plumbing problems extend well beyond a little drain cleaning, we have you covered. Our clogged toilet repair experts have all the tools and expertise required to fix the problem. From a blocked toilet and full emergency plumbing service to a toilet overflowing, Toronto residents can rest easy knowing Mr. Rooter Plumbing of Toronto has them covered for all their plumbing needs and toilet services.

Don't let an overflowing toilet in Toronto stress you out. Our licensed plumbing professionals have you covered for all your plumbing emergencies. They'll resolve your issue quickly and efficiently. Our team offers more than just repair services: we cover a wide range of plumbing services, including drain cleaning, drain repair, water line repair and replacement, sewer line repair and replacement, and many other high-quality services.

Toilet problems? Contact us today and see why our plumbers are the go-to choice when you're dealing with a toilet overflowing in Toronto.