A toilet overflow can quickly turn into a messy and frustrating situation. Whether it’s due to a clog, a faulty part, or something deeper in your plumbing system, knowing what to do right away can help you avoid damage and get things under control fast. At Roto-Rooter, we help homeowners deal with this issue every day. Here’s what to do when your toilet overflows—and what a plumber might do to fix it.
Stop the Water Flow Immediately
What You Can Do:
As soon as you notice the toilet overflowing, remove the tank lid and push down the flapper to stop water from entering the bowl. If that doesn’t work, turn off the water supply valve behind the toilet by turning it clockwise.
What a Plumber Would Do:
If the water won’t stop or the shutoff valve is stuck or broken, a plumber can quickly isolate the water supply, replace the valve if necessary, and check for any mechanical issues in the toilet tank that might have caused the overflow, such as a faulty fill valve or flapper.
Clean Up Excess Water Quickly
What You Can Do:
Use towels, a wet/dry shop vacuum, or a mop to soak up any standing water. Make sure to disinfect the area, especially if the overflow involved wastewater, to avoid bacteria and odors.
What a Plumber Would Do:
While plumbers don’t typically handle water cleanup, they can help assess whether the overflow caused water damage around the toilet base or if there’s a potential leak into the subflooring. They may recommend a water damage specialist if the situation is severe.
Try to Unclog the Toilet
What You Can Do:
Use a toilet plunger to try to dislodge the clog. Make sure there’s enough water in the bowl to cover the plunger. If that doesn’t work, a toilet auger (also called a closet auger) can reach further into the trap to clear blockages.
What a Plumber Would Do:
If standard tools don’t work, a plumber may use a professional-grade auger or even a hydro jet to clear the line. If the problem seems to be beyond the toilet, they might remove the toilet and inspect the drain opening or perform a camera inspection of the sewer line.
Know When to Call a Professional
What You Can Do:
If you’ve tried plunging, snaking, and the overflow keeps happening—or water is coming up from other drains—stop using water in the home and call for help. These signs point to a deeper issue.
What a Plumber Would Do:
A Roto-Rooter plumber will diagnose whether the issue is localized to the toilet or connected to a larger drain or sewer line problem. They may use video inspection tools to check for blockages, tree roots, or broken pipes. If necessary, they’ll clean the main sewer line or recommend repairs.
Prevent Future Toilet Overflows
What You Can Do:
Avoid flushing anything other than toilet paper and waste. That means no wipes (even “flushable” ones), feminine hygiene products, cotton balls, or paper towels. Schedule routine drain maintenance to catch issues early.
What a Plumber Would Do:
A plumber can perform regular inspections and clean your drain or sewer lines to prevent buildup. If overflows are frequent, they can check the plumbing system for design issues, slope problems, or recommend upgrades like low-flow toilets or a backwater valve to reduce risk.
Call Roto-Rooter for Fast Toilet Overflow Help
If your toilet overflows and you can’t fix it quickly, don’t wait for the problem to get worse. Roto-Rooter is available 24/7 to respond to plumbing emergencies and restore your peace of mind. Our licensed plumbers come prepared with the right tools and experience to stop the overflow, find the cause, and fix it right the first time.
Contact us today for fast, reliable toilet repair and emergency plumbing service.