There's nothing more harrowing than the panic that sets in when you go to flush a full toilet and the water starts to rise instead of going down. Rather than panic, it's important to know when you can fix the problem on your own and when it's time to call a plumber to help you fix a clogged toilet in Springfield Missouri.
If the water continues to rise and you need to stop the flow of water before raw sewage starts to spill onto your bathroom floor, you need to locate the toilet’s water shutoff valve. Typically this is a small handle located on the water inlet line behind your toilet. A simple twist is all it takes. Once the water has stopped running, you can try to determine the reason for the overflow.
Another option if you can’t reach the shutoff valve in time is to make sure the flapper inside your toilet tank is closed. This is the large rubber piece at the bottom of the tank that allows the water to flow from the water tank into the toilet bowl.
If it’s closed and water is still flowing, then try lifting up the float ball inside the tank, which determines when the water inside your tank is full. This will also help stop the water.
After the flow of water has been stopped and you’ve cleaned up any spillage, then it’s time to determine the source of the problem and see if you can fix the problem on your own. In most cases a plunger can get rid of a clog, but if not, take a moment to determine what may have caused it in the first place.
If too much toilet paper is the culprit, then giving it some time to break down naturally in the water is a potential option. But for clogs you can’t clear, call on a certified professional plumber in Springfield, Missouri.
When it comes to trying to clear a clogged toilet on your own, don't overdo it with a plunger. You could end up compacting a clog so tightly inside the toilet that it can't even be removed by a professional plumber and your entire toilet will need to be replaced.
And if you do get the toilet to flush properly, but see dirty water start to rise up elsewhere in the house inside a sink or bathtub, then it's likely you have a clog in your main sewer line and will need to call a plumber to fix the problem.
Clogged toilets are very common. Some minor toilet clogs can be cleared on your own, but others are best left to a plumber you can trust to take care of the problem once and for all. United Plumbing offers toilet repair services 24/7, day or night. If you ever find yourself in a plumbing bind, whether it's a toilet, a water heater or any other plumbing fixture in your home or business, call us anytime.