You jiggle the handle, but nothing happens. The toilet won’t flush. Instead, the water rises up, fills the bowl, and then spills over onto your bathroom floor.
You're facing an overflowing toilet.
How do you tackle this mess before it floods the entire bathroom?
With more than 85 years of combined experience, we’ve assisted Chicago residents with water damage from situations like this, so we know just what to do.
Don’t let water damage linger! For immediate assistance, call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba today at 773-647-1985.
Key Takeaways
First, shut off the water, put on protective gear (rubber gloves, closed-toed shoes), and assess if the situation is DIY-fixable.
Identify the problem (e.g., worn fixtures or a stubborn clog) and address it accordingly.
If sewage backup is involved, always call a professional. Cleaning up raw sewage is dangerous and requires specialized skills.
For help restoring your home after a toilet overflow, contact ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.
Before You Begin
Before diving into the repair process, follow these steps to prepare and protect yourself:
Turn Off the Water: Immediately stop the water flow by turning off the supply valve at the back of the toilet. If that fails, shut off the main water supply for the house.
Protect Yourself: Overflow water is often classified as Category 2 or Category 3 (gray or black water), indicating contamination. Even if it doesn’t contain raw sewage, it's still teeming with bacteria and poses a health risk. Always wear rubber gloves and goggles, disinfect your tools, and dispose of any rags or towels used for cleanup. Keep children and pets away until the area is fully sanitized.
Consider Professional Help: Overflowing toilets can cause mold, mildew, structural damage, and require expensive repairs. If you're unsure about handling it yourself, reach out to a water damage restoration professional like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.
Fixing an Overflowing Toilet
Problem: A Stubborn Clog
Signs: Water drains slowly or rises in the bowl after flushing.
Solution: Start with a plunger, creating a tight seal around the drain.
Coat the edges with petroleum jelly for better suction, then plunge slowly, increasing pressure and speed until the clog breaks.
If this doesn't work, try a toilet drain snake, guiding it carefully through the S-shaped trap to break up the clog.
Finally, turn the water back on and flush twice to confirm it's clear.
Power Tip: Never use a plunger while water is overflowing; it can make matters worse.
Problem: A Clogged Toilet Trap
Signs: Slow draining, an overflowing bowl, gurgling sounds, or unpleasant smells.
Solution: Turn off the water supply behind the toilet or at the main valve. Use a plunger or toilet auger to remove any blockages from the S-shaped trap. An auger (or closet auger) is particularly effective due to its protective tubing.
Problem: General Fixture Failures
Signs: Leaky or constantly running toilets.
Solution: Identify the faulty component, such as a broken handle, faulty float, or fill valve, and replace it. Replacement parts are available at most home improvement stores and can be installed in an afternoon.
Problem: Clogged Sewer Laterals
Signs: Slow flushing/draining toilets, strange odors/noises, sewage backup in basements.
Solution: If the toilet overflows without obvious cause and the bathroom smells foul, a clogged sewer lateral might be to blame. In this case, call a professional plumber.
Problem: Old Pipes and Connections
Signs: Discolored water, stains around the toilet base, and corroded pipes.
Solution: Aging pipes can corrode, leading to backups and overflows. Have a plumber replace old pipes and repair leaks.
Problem: High Filler Float
Signs: Constantly running toilet, high water level in the tank, or calcium buildup.
Solution: Adjust the filler float mechanism to lower the float level. Use a wet vac to remove excess water from the floor, and surround the toilet base with towels to absorb any further overflow.
Problem: Blocked Vent Pipe
Signs: Frequent toilet clogs.
Solution: A blocked vent pipe prevents air from entering the plumbing system, causing flushing issues. This is best handled by a professional plumber.
Problem: Backflowing Septic Tank
Signs: Gurgling toilet, sewage backup, or foul odors.
Solution: A backflowing septic tank requires professional assistance due to the health hazards of raw sewage.
What to Do About Water Damage
If your bathroom suffers water damage from an overflowing toilet, dry it out quickly.
Heavy Fans & Dehumidifier: Run for 2-3 days to reduce moisture in walls and floors.
Increase Air Circulation: Open windows if the weather permits.
Open Cabinets & Move Floor Mats: Let air reach all affected areas.
Monitor Progress: Use a moisture meter to track drying progress.
Power Tip: If drying efforts stall, call restoration experts like ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba.
Preventing Toilet Clogs
While not all clogs are preventable, these simple habits can reduce the risk:
Assume all "flushable" products belong in the trash.
Place a trash can next to the toilet and empty it regularly.
Post a kid-friendly list of non-flushable items.
Consider a toilet seat lock for childproofing.
Avoid disposing of non-flushable items (e.g., grease, cotton balls, floss) in the toilet.
Ensure full flushes each time, and avoid partial flushes.
For excessive toilet paper, flush multiple times to prevent buildup.
Keep small objects off counters and shelves near the toilet.
Dealing with an Overflowing Toilet in Chicago? We’re Here to Help!
If your toilet overflow turns into more than a simple mop-up job, call us right away. Water damage can leave long-term issues in walls, baseboards, and floors.
We’re proud to be Chicago’s leading water damage restoration experts, offering 24/7 service. We can also assist with your homeowners insurance claim.
For immediate help with water damage, call ServiceMaster Restoration by Zaba immediately at (773) 647-1985. We'll arrive to your property within 90 minutes and start the process of water damage restoration & recovery.
