Skip to Content
Top

How to Stop an Overflowing Toilet

Serving Families Throughout Memphis
|

Toilet overflows can happen to every one of us once in a while.

When this problem does occur, it always causes great panic due to an overflowing toilet’s damaging and unsanitary consequences. Fortunately, there are a couple of steps you can immediately take to prevent your toilet from overflowing while you wait for a licensed plumber to fix the issue once and for all.

The following are the steps you should take to stop an overflowing toilet:

  • Close the water valve. Most toilets possess a water valve, which is generally located on the wall or near the base of the bowl. This valve controls all water which flows into and through the system. As soon as you find the valve, turn it to the right to shut it off.
  • Use the ball cock. There are some toilets out there that do not possess a water valve. However, there is another solution to stop the overflowing water (and waste). Lift the lid off the toilet tank and find a rubber ball attached to a lever. That is called the ball cock. As the water in the tank rises, the ball cock floats up along with it until it causes the lever to close off the supply of water. If you lift the ball cock all the way up, it should prevent any additional water from flowing into the tank, working in the same fashion as a water valve.

To request our services as soon as your toilet stops overflowing, contact Smith’s Plumbing Services and speak with our licensed Bartlett plumber today. Over 10 years of professional experience!