How to Fix an Overflowing Toilet Bowl

A toilet that's not working properly is always a stress causer. Am I wrong? How many times have you seen the water filling up in your toilet bowl instead of going down like it's supposed to? And you get excited, don't you?

Actually, fixing an overflowing toilet is usually a simple task. You don't usually need to call a plumber for this type of problem. Clogs in a toilet are generally caused by toilet paper. Unless, of course, your kid has tried to flush a foreign object down the pipe. When I was a child, I tried to flush a wash cloth down the toilet. It didn't move too well through the pipes and my Dad had to fish it out. I don't remember why I did this, but I do remember that he wasn't a happy camper.

Anyhow, the first thing to remember when you have an overflowing toilet, is not to panic! Never, ever flush the toilet a second time in hopes the clog will clear itself out. Why? Because, pushing the handle down again will only allow more water to enter the bowl. With the first tank full of water not going anywhere, you don't need to add any more water to cause you problems!

Instead, wait a minute or two to see if the water level does go down by itself. If not, then it's time to take affirmative action. Try using a toilet plunger in the bowl to clear the clog. A toilet plunger differs from a drain plunger. It has a rubber, cone-shaped bottom. When you place the plunger into the bowl, this cone-shaped piece fits into the drain hole. When you push the plunger down, it forces air into the drain hole and into the pipe.

To use a toilet plunger, you should push the handle down in short, quick movements. Repeat this movement five or six times. Then, remove the plunger and check the water level of the bowl. If you see it lowering, then use the plunger again until the clog is gone and the toilet is flushing properly again. If the water level doesn't go down, then it's time for Plan B.

Plan B is to use a bucket. Fill it up with tap water. Then, pour the water as quickly as you can into the toilet bowl. Just be careful not to overflow the toilet bowl! Pouring the water into the bowl will help to create suction
in the drain pipe. Repeat this process two or three times to fix your overflowing toilet bowl.

If plunging your toilet and and flushing it with water doesn't clear the clog,
you'll need to try yet another remedy. The clog in your toilet is not a simple one, so it needs more force applied to it.

You'll need to either purchase, borrow, or rent a toilet snake. This is the ultimate tool in clearing out a clogged toilet. This handy device is also known as an "auger". An auger is basically a thick, pliable wire that's coiled up in a housing. There's a handle on the side of the housing.

TO use an auger, you'll need to first unroll a length of the wire. Place the end in your toilet bowl and guide it into the drain hole. Then, turn the handle and feed the wire down into the hole. You'll need to push the wire down- by holding onto the housing- and wiggle it back and forth into the drain pipe below your toilet. When the water starts to leave the bowl, you'll know you have reached the clog. Flush the toilet two to three times to make sure it's working properly again. Then, carefully remove the snake and wind it back up.