A toilet overflowing is a small emergency you can usually stop yourself in under a minute.
Stop the water
- Do not flush again.
- Close the supply valve. It is on the wall behind the toilet. Turn it clockwise.
- Or lift the float. Take the tank lid off and raise the float to stop the fill, or push the flapper down.
Clear the clog
Use a flange plunger, the kind with the extended lip, and plunge with steady strokes for 20 seconds. A toilet auger reaches clogs the plunger cannot. Do not use chemical drain cleaner in a toilet.
Clean up
Overflow water is unsanitary. Wear gloves, mop it up, disinfect hard surfaces and wash towels on hot.
When it is more than a clog
- It overflows without being flushed, or water rises in the tub when you flush: the main sewer line is blocked. That is a sewer backup.
- It clogs every week: something is lodged in the trap or the line needs drain cleaning.
- Water leaks at the base: the seal has failed. Book toilet repair.
If you cannot stop the water or sewage is coming up, call an emergency plumber. We answer 24 hours a day.
Common questions
Why does my toilet overflow when I shower?
The main drain is blocked, so shower water has nowhere to go and rises at the lowest fixture.
Are flushable wipes safe to flush?
No. They do not break down like toilet paper and are a leading cause of clogs and sewer backups.