Troubled with a flooded toilet at your property? You have to identify the main cause behind the issues and take the necessary steps to resolve them. If you are not able to solve the flooding issue, you can call the ABV Plumbing experts. They have the knowledge and experience to deal with all kinds of toilet issues and repairs.
This article covers the common causes of flooding issues and the necessary steps to clear the clogged drain. Also, we will go through expert tips for proper toilet maintenance.
Understanding The Causes Of A Flooded Toilet
How to fix a flooded toilet? You must understand its main causes to follow the right steps to resolve it.
- Faulty Filler float: If the filler float is not working properly, it will cause the water tank to spill. There can be several issues with the filler float. One common issue is that the filler float is set too high in the tank. In this case, there will be excess water in the tank which will spill over the sides.
- Drain blockage: One of the most common reasons for a flooded toilet is a blocked drain. It can happen when you flush some things like toilet paper, hygiene products, etc. These things can clog the drain and force the water to flow backward.
- Blockage in vent pipe: If your toilet is getting clogged on a regular basis then you have a blocked vent pipe. The pipe is responsible for moving the external air into the plumbing system to replace air pumped with every flush. When the pipe is blocked the toilet will not flush properly and cause overflow in your toilet.
Essential Tools For Fixing A Flooded Toilet
Here are some essential tools that you require to fix a flooded toilet.
- Plunger
- Boiling water
- Toilet auger or drain snake
- Baking soda & vinegar
- Dish soap
- Drain Cleaner
Step-By-Step Guide: How To Fix A Flooded Toilet
Step One: Stop the Water Flow
Shut off the inlet water valve to put a stop to the water flow. Now turn the valve in the clockwise direction to stop the water flow into the toilet. If the valve is not working, then you have to remove the lid of the tank and adjust the float to prevent the tank from filling.
Step Two: Clear the Clog
Pick the right plunger to clear the clogged area. A funnel-cup plunger is the best choice to clean the clogged toilet. Try running your plunger under hot water to soften the funnel. A hard plunger will not create a proper seal in clearing the clog.
Now, you have to stick the plunger in the drain hole to create a solid seal. Push and pull the plunger to clear the drain. After a few strokes, flush the toilet. If the water clears out, then the drain is cleared. If the water overflows again, you have to repeat this process until the toilet drain is cleared.
Common Mistakes To Avoid When Fixing A Flooded Toilet
- Don’t use any type of harsh chemicals to clean the drains. This can damage the pipes and toilet bowl. So, you should use only a wire hanger/plunger to remove the clogged objects.
- Never opt for flushing your toilet multiple times. This will rather cause more chaos and mess in your bathroom.
- Avoid focusing on temporary fixes. They are never the answer and lead to recurrent or expensive repairs later.
When To Call A Professional Plumber?
Tired of handling the clogged drains and flooded toilets again and again? Call a professional to reduce your hassle. The expert technician has the expertise to identify the main problem and deal with it by using suitable tools.
Preventing Future Toilet Flooding Incidents
Here are some tips to prevent future flooding events.
- One of the major causes of flooding is flushing some foreign items that get stuck in the drain. So, avoid flushing anything in the toilet that does not belong there.
- Perform regular inspections of the toilet to catch potential leaks in the early stage and take necessary steps to resolve them.
- If you notice that the water is running slowly out of the drain then there may be a partial clog in the drain. Use a plunger or drain snake to remove the partial clogs and avoid flooding issues.
ABV Plumbing’s Expert Tips For Toilet Maintenance
ABV Plumbing has an expert team that offers excellent toilet installation and repairs. They offer some expert tips for proper toilet maintenance.
- Use baking soda and vinegar to tackle a blocked drain. The chemical reaction between these two products will help you clear the clogs.
- Opt for a solid toilet auger instead of a plunger to clear the hard clogs.
- Replace the ring around the toilet after 4 to 5 years. A wax ring can go bad and cause issues.
It is best to call the professionals who can deal with the situation properly.
