Woodznutz
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- Dec 9, 2021
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How to prevent a toilet from overflowing.
Our apartment building "Move-In" notes, that are given to each new tenant, instructs them to consult me about how to prevent toilet overflows (which are distressing for landlords and tenants). I am rarely if ever asked to do this. However, recently a new tenant did ask me about this. I asked her if she knew how a toilet works. She replied that she didn't. She clearly had had bad experiences with toilets in the past thus her desire for the knowledge. Most tenants allow the toilet to overflow then call me to fix the problem. Preventing overflows is easy. Here's my tutorial.
First, observe how your toilet works. Remove the tank lid and flush the toilet a few times, observing how it flushes and then refills. Note that the flush water enters the toilet through a hole in the bottom of the tank that is covered by a stopper, called a "flapper". The flapper is designed to close when sufficient water is released into the toilet. However, you can manually close it by merely reaching in and pushing it closed. This will stop the water from entering the toilet bowl thus immediately stopping an overflow.
The other part that you need to observe is the "fill valve", which allows the tank to refill with water after the flush is complete. This valve opens and closes with the aid of a "float", located on a brass rod, or on a pedestal that it slides up and down on. The float opens and closes the fill valve. It too can be manually closed by lifting it upward. This will stop the tank from filling with water, although this is rarely needed to stop an overflow. Although rare, this valve can fail, resulting in the tank overflowing. This should be practiced as well. Now, on to an actual overflow event.
First rule of using a toilet: Always observe the flush when finished using the toilet, making sure it flushes properly. You'll know immediately if there is a problem as the water will rise in the bowl instead of swirling and emptying.
First rule of dealing with an imminent overflow: DON'T PANIC! Calmly close the toilet seat lid. Remove the tank lid and place it on the toilet seat (never place glass containers on top of the lid. The fewer such items the better). Reach in and close the flapper manually, as you have practiced. Allow that some water will overflow, but it will be minimal.
With this knowledge you will have a new confidence when using the toilet, and possible will prevent a nasty mess in the future. Teach this to your family and friends as well. God bless you and have a great day!
Our apartment building "Move-In" notes, that are given to each new tenant, instructs them to consult me about how to prevent toilet overflows (which are distressing for landlords and tenants). I am rarely if ever asked to do this. However, recently a new tenant did ask me about this. I asked her if she knew how a toilet works. She replied that she didn't. She clearly had had bad experiences with toilets in the past thus her desire for the knowledge. Most tenants allow the toilet to overflow then call me to fix the problem. Preventing overflows is easy. Here's my tutorial.
First, observe how your toilet works. Remove the tank lid and flush the toilet a few times, observing how it flushes and then refills. Note that the flush water enters the toilet through a hole in the bottom of the tank that is covered by a stopper, called a "flapper". The flapper is designed to close when sufficient water is released into the toilet. However, you can manually close it by merely reaching in and pushing it closed. This will stop the water from entering the toilet bowl thus immediately stopping an overflow.
The other part that you need to observe is the "fill valve", which allows the tank to refill with water after the flush is complete. This valve opens and closes with the aid of a "float", located on a brass rod, or on a pedestal that it slides up and down on. The float opens and closes the fill valve. It too can be manually closed by lifting it upward. This will stop the tank from filling with water, although this is rarely needed to stop an overflow. Although rare, this valve can fail, resulting in the tank overflowing. This should be practiced as well. Now, on to an actual overflow event.
First rule of using a toilet: Always observe the flush when finished using the toilet, making sure it flushes properly. You'll know immediately if there is a problem as the water will rise in the bowl instead of swirling and emptying.
First rule of dealing with an imminent overflow: DON'T PANIC! Calmly close the toilet seat lid. Remove the tank lid and place it on the toilet seat (never place glass containers on top of the lid. The fewer such items the better). Reach in and close the flapper manually, as you have practiced. Allow that some water will overflow, but it will be minimal.
With this knowledge you will have a new confidence when using the toilet, and possible will prevent a nasty mess in the future. Teach this to your family and friends as well. God bless you and have a great day!
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