Cleaning an overflowing toilet is not on anyone’s to-do list. Having plumbing issues is a significant inconvenience, but dealing with an overflowing toilet is a disaster. Your bathroom is basically home to thousands of bacteria and germs, and the overflowing water can cause various illnesses. While we suggest a deep clean including using a machine to clean the tiles and grout read on for more!
Causes of an overflow in the toilet
The minute you notice an overflow in your toilet, it is essential not to panic and try to figure out the reasons causing it. This can save you from having to deal with the same problems over again.
A Blocked Drain
Figuring out whether a blocked drain is behind your overflowing toilet is comparatively easy as, in this case, the water will flow from the toilet bowl rather than the tank. This problem can be easily controlled by using a plunger to unclog the toilet.
Blocked vent pipe
Another reason for the frequent cloggings of your toilet is blocked vent pipes. Due to a blocked vent pipe, your toilet cannot flush properly, resulting in an overflow. However, it’s better to refer to a plumber in such cases as just unclogging the toilet won’t solve the issue.
High filler float
If the culprit behind the overflow is a high filler float, the water will overflow from the toilet tank instead of the toilet bowl. This issue can be fixed by adjusting the device inside the tank to control the level of water.
How To Get Rid Of The Mess
When you notice an overflowing toilet, it is necessary to take precautions and clear the mess as soon as possible to avoid bacterial infections. Here are some easy steps you can follow in cleaning up overflowed toilet water
Stop the overflow
The first thing you need to do instead of panicking is to stop the overflow to avoid further damage. You can do this by turning off the valve as soon as you can to stem water flow.
Empty the water
Once you’ve managed to stop the overflow, you should work on getting rid of the water from your bathroom floor. This is where a mop and bucket will come in real handy.
Use a plunger
After the mopping operation is over, take a plunger to unclog the toilet to allow it to function smoothly.
Clean your toilet
Once the overflow disaster has been controlled, try and clean up your bathroom and all the equipment used with Clorox or another concentrated disinfecting solution. This step is crucial to ensure your bathroom is free from any lingering germs.
Call a professional
If at any time you feel the overflow isn’t something you can handle – ring for a professional. Not only will they take care of the flood for you, but they might even lend a hand in cleaning up the watery mess on your bathroom floor.
Conclusion
Seeing an overflowing toilet can cause a state of disgust and panic. However, the first rule in such situations is to control your rising anxiety and work fast to ensure the overflow is stemmed ASAP.
I’m a 20-something stay-at-home mother and wife. I have an amazing husband, a beautiful daughter, two loving dogs, and a lazy cat. I wouldn’t change my life for anything! I love to read, listen to music, cook and blog!
Speak Your Mind