If you just finished using the bathroom and noticed that your toilet filled up with water when you flushed it, you’re probably quite worried. Don’t try to flush the toilet again; that can lead to a total disaster you don’t want to deal with! Instead, stay calm and read on to learn more about what may be causing this problem and how to fix it.
Clogs
By far the most common cause for a toilet backing up with water is the presence of a clog. When there is a clog in your drainage pipe, the water cannot go through it, meaning it can recede into your toilet bowl or even onto your bathroom floor.
This can be caused by regular usage or by an object that shouldn’t be flushed. Occasionally, using too much toilet paper can cause a clog, which is typically easy enough to deal with on your own. However, if you or someone else in your home flushed things that shouldn’t be flushed, such as baby wipes or paper towels, clearing the clog can be trickier. And the situation can be even more difficult if you have a child who tried to flush toys or anything similar!
Solutions
Fixing a clog depends on how serious it is. The first step toward solving this problem is to use a plunger on the toilet. Give it a good attempt with the plunger, and if the water still isn’t going down or is draining extremely slowly, it might be time to use more extreme measures.
One measure you could try is a plumbing snake. This is a tool that extends into your drainage system to break up and push a clog through. If your plunger doesn’t do the job, one of these snakes may be your next best bet. They are affordable, easy to find, and simple to use.
However, if you want to avoid the mess of a stubborn clog altogether, calling a plumber is always a great choice. Plumbers have advanced tools and equipment that allow them to diagnose problems easily and fix them quickly.
Blocked Vent Pipes
In your drainage system, there is a piece called a vent pipe that maintains the airflow throughout the entire system. This vent leads to the exterior of your home, and there is a chance that it can be blocked or clogged by debris like leaves and branches, ice and snow, or nesting animals. The pipe could also be broken, which is a more serious issue.
Unlike a clog, a blocked vent pipe will cause a strong odor in your home, gurgling noises, and irregularities in the toilet bowl’s water level – which can help you diagnose what’s wrong.
Solutions
If you can see the blockage, you can sometimes remedy the situation by yourself by simply removing it from the pipe. With that said, there are other times when the solution isn’t so simple. If you can’t easily remove the blockage itself or can’t pinpoint where the problem lies, you’ll need to call a plumber right away.
Internal Issues
Several components inside the toilet need to work properly, or you might experience unfortunate problems. Two common mechanical problems that arise in toilets concern the flapper valve and the fill valve.
You can find the flapper valve at the bottom of the tank. This piece controls when water goes into the bowl and how much water fills it. Over time, this valve can become damaged or fail to seal completely, which will cause water to flow into the tank when it’s not supposed to.
The fill valve is another possible culprit. As you might be able to guess, this valve is responsible for refilling the tank with water after you flush. If it isn’t working right, it’ll cause the toilet to fill up with water constantly.
Solutions
Fortunately, the fill and flapper valves in your toilet aren’t that complicated. For minor issues, simply spending a minute or two adjusting them could be all you need. Unfortunately, this won’t always be the case. There are many instances where a complete replacement is the best course of action. In fact, experts recommend replacing these valves after a quick adjustment to solve the immediate issue. Once a valve is proven faulty, the problem could happen again, and with a new valve, you won’t have to worry about that.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I use the toilet when it isn’t draining?
If you’re desperate, it may be possible to use the toilet while it isn’t draining properly. However, this is not recommended. Only attempt to use the toilet if it drains at least a little bit and doesn’t have standing water. If the water is standing, any more attempts to flush will lead to the water overflowing.
Do I need a plumber to unclog my drain?
You don’t always need a plumber to unclog your drain if you can fix the problem with a plunger and a little elbow grease. However, for any problem more complicated than that, working with a plumber is a smart idea. With the knowledge, experience, and tools at their disposal, a plumber can fix the problem quicker and more efficiently than the average homeowner. Plus, you’ll be able to rest easier knowing the job is done correctly!
Call Joe the Plumber When You Need Plumbing Service!
If you live in the Greater Houston area, Joe the Plumber is the only name you need to remember when your toilet isn’t draining, your water heater isn’t functioning, or you need any general plumbing services. We’ll give you the service and solutions you need on time and at prices our competition can’t beat. If you’d like to learn more or schedule an appointment, get in contact with us today!
