What Causes a Toilet To Overflow?

Overflowing toilets aren’t any fun. They’re messy and stressful, especially if you don’t know the source of the problem or how to fix it. When this happens, many people may find themselves wondering what causes a toilet to overflow in the first place.

There are a few causes that will lead to an overflowing bowl or tank. Fanti Sewer & Drain Pros, your local plumbers in Cerritos, CA, explain what causes it and what you can do about it.

The Drain Is Clogged

Residential toilets often overflow due to clogged drains. Most clogs are due to excessive toilet paper, thicker paper like paper towels, or hygiene products that aren’t intended for flushing. If you have curious children, it could be almost anything clogging the toilet.

Minor clogs are easy to handle on your own, but some are due to plumbing system blockages further down the pipes that you won’t be able to repair yourself. These clogs may be caused by the same reasons listed above, but they could be due to sewer issues, tree roots, or other blockages.

How To Fix a Clogged Drain

A plunger and determination are all you need for a minor clog. You may have to plunge several times before the clog comes loose, but you should be able to get the job done. If you can’t unclog the toilet on your own, you’ll need to call a plumber so they can use their specialized equipment or access pipes from the yard.

The Filler Float Is Too High

If it’s the tank overflowing instead of the bowl, the filler float might be what causes a toilet to overflow. The filler float stops water from filling the tank to prevent overflows, so if water keeps filling to the point of spilling out, the filler float is either too high or broken.

How To Fix a High Filler Float

With a little effort and a knack for DIY, you can fix this at home. You may need to purchase a new mechanism from the hardware store if it’s broken. But if you have any doubts about the repair process or don’t want to make the situation worse, call a plumber to fix it for you.

The Vent Pipe Is Blocked

As strange as it sounds, a pipe on your roof could be what causes a toilet to overflow. Plumbing systems need to expel air, which is why there’s a vent on the roof that connects to the pipes within your home. If leaves, bird nests, or other debris blocks the vent, your toilet may overflow because air can’t escape the system.

How To Fix a Blocked Vent Pipe

Vent pipes typically need a plumber to unclog them. You may be able to remove debris yourself, but be extra careful since it requires getting on the roof. Plumbers will be able to use specialized equipment to reach further down the pipe than you’ll be able to, so any DIY attempts may not be successful due to limited access.

Fanti Sewer & Drain Pros Can Repair Your Toilet

When you need a blocked toilet plumber, Fanti Sewer & Drain Pros in Cerritos, CA, can help. No job is too big or too small for us. Call us at (949) 749-2587 for a free estimate.

Our line is always open, so if you have an emergency blockage, don’t hesitate to let us know! We know what causes a toilet to overflow and can fix the problem quickly so you can get back to using your toilet like normal. We believe in transparent pricing, so we’ll offer you accurate estimates for our work so you can properly budget for the expense.