Overflowing toilets are a nightmare. They’re typically gross, make a massive mess, and can leave a homeowner or DIYer feeling hopeless. But, when we meet host Kevin O’Connor and plumbing and heating expert Richard Trethewey back at the shop to talk about this sloppy problem, Richard shows Kevin just what to do.
How a Toilet Works
First, it’s important to understand how a toilet works. Toilets have two parts: the tank and the bowl. The tank is typically filled with two gallons of water. When the handle is triggered, water rushes into the bowl through the flush rim as well as through a built-in siphon. When the siphon and weight to the water work together, they pull waste down through the toilet and push it out through the drain.
But, when there’s a clog and water can’t escape, often resulting in an overflowing toilet.
Flushing Can Work. Sometimes.
When there’s a solid stoppage in the toilet itself, water can back up and overflow. However, the weight of the additional flushes can sometimes be enough to push the clog through. But, in cases where this doesn’t work, a plunger may be necessary.
How to Clear an Overflowing Toilet
When plunging is your only option, it comes down to technique. Rather than forcing more water through the toilet by flushing or pushing it through with the plunger, Richard suggests a different technique:
Place the plunger inside the toilet and create a tight seal around the opening.
Slowly press the plunger into the toilet and quickly pull it out. Sometimes, that works perfectly, pulling the clog up toward the bowl where it can change orientation and slip through the drain.
Watch Out for Foreign Objects
Occasionally, plumbers find small, non-flushable objects in a toilet. If they get flushed, they’ll cause a stubborn clog. In many cases, these become repeat issues. The solution? Removing the toilet and breaking it to pieces.
Resources
Richard uses a plunger to pull the clogged items from the toilet.
