What Causes A Toilet To Overflow
An overflowing toilet is a mess, the ultimate bathroom horror story.
An overflowing toilet is a mess, the ultimate bathroom horror story. Flooded wastewater damages floors and baseboards. You would need adequate sanitization to thwart unwanted bacteria from growing. In some cases, the damage created by a flooded bathroom is irreparable or costly. Prevent a pouring toilet from ever occurring by knowing what causes toilets to overflow and what to do should that happen.
Clogged pipe or toilet
Clogs are one of the more common causes of an overflowing toilet. From something getting stuck in the bowl before being flushed to the wrong items going down the toilet, clogs prevent water from flowing the right way.
Obstructions also happen when pipes are older or remain unattended for a long time. We often see too much toilet paper, children's toys, feminine products, "flushable" wipes, hair, and diapers as the culprits for toilets overflowing. To help hinder a clogged toilet, stick to the three Ps of what should go down with a flush: Paper (toilet), Pee, and Poo. Dispose of the rest through the garbage system.
Vent blockages
The vent pipe in a toilet replaces the air used while flushing with outside air. When the pipe vent becomes blocked, it can cause the toilet to overflow. Poor ventilation in your bathroom can lead to foul odors and disease if not addressed immediately.
A full septic tank
Homeowners or renters using a septic tank can find themselves with a full tank. When a septic tank cannot drain, it can cause overflowing toilets and other backups around the home. Sticking to a regular maintenance schedule for a septic system prevents these issues from occurring. During septic tank checkups, a professional can empty the septic tank safely and hygienically and spot and fix any additional areas in need of repair.
Other sewage problems
Inadequate drainage, blocked sewer lines, and other plumbing problems trigger overflowing toilets. Any non-visible obstruction can be something down the sewer line. Even if you're super careful in flushing only the accepted entities down the toilet, an overflowing toilet could be stemming from an obstruction in the city's sewer line.
Fixing an overflowing toilet
To alleviate an overflowing toilet, turn off the primary water source, and use a plunger. If the plunger does not complete the job, you may need to snake the drain. If you do not have a drain snake on hand, you can buy one at the hardware store or online for less than $20. To ensure the plumbing problem is not severe and does not result in future blockages or leaks, consult a professional plumber for help.
Do you need professional assistance to fix your overflowing toilet?
An overflowing toilet is one of the worst occurrences that can happen in your home. If your DIY efforts don't resolve your plumbing issue, please contact a professional, experienced plumber. They will diagnose what caused the overflowing toilet and safely fix the problem.
Frontier Plumbing of Las Vegas is a full-service commercial and residential plumbing company offering a full spectrum of plumbing services. We are determined to exceed your expectations! Call 702-602-6705 today!