If your toilet starts overflowing, do not flush it again, as this will only add more water to the pan. The next step is to stop fresh water filling the cistern. Acting calmly in the first few minutes can limit the mess and damage.
Stop More Water Getting Into the Toilet
Take the lid off the cistern and look for the float. This is the part that rises as the cistern fills. Lifting it up gently can stop more water flowing in for a short time.
Many toilets also have a small isolation valve on the pipe that feeds the cistern. If there is one and you can reach it safely, turn the slot a quarter turn with a flat screwdriver or coin to shut it off. This stops the cistern refilling.
If there is no isolation valve, you can turn off the stopcock, if it is safe and you know where it is. This shuts off the cold water to the whole home, so it is a useful backup.
Keep Safe Around Water and Electrics
Overflowing water can spread quickly across a bathroom floor. Keep clear of any electrical sockets, shaver points, heaters or light fittings that may be getting wet. Do not touch anything electrical while it is wet.
If water is reaching electrics, keep away from the area. Only turn off the power at the consumer unit if it is dry and safe to reach. If you are unsure, stay clear and contact an electrician.
Protect Your Floor and Clean Up Hygienically
Once the water has stopped rising, put old towels around the base of the toilet to soak up spills. If you have floorboards or a ceiling below, moving quickly can help reduce damage.
Water from an overflowing toilet can be contaminated, so wear rubber gloves while you clean. Mop the floor, then wipe all surfaces with a disinfectant. Wash towels on a hot cycle and wash your hands well afterwards. Keep children and pets out of the room until it has been cleaned.
Avoid pouring harsh chemical drain cleaners into the pan. They can damage seals and pipes, and they make the water more dangerous to handle if it spills again.
When to Call for Help
If the water level keeps rising even after you have stopped the cistern filling, the blockage may be further down the pipe. The same is true if water is coming up in a bath, shower or sink, or if other toilets are affected. These signs can point to a problem in the soil pipe or drain rather than the toilet alone.
A plumber can find and clear the blockage safely. If you need emergency blocked toilet clearance in Swindon, it helps to say whether other fittings in the home are affected.
If your toilet is overflowing and you cannot stop it, or the water keeps coming back, call Emergency Plumber Swindon on 01793 569521 and we can talk you through what to do next.