Everyone knows the dreaded feeling of flushing a toilet only to have the water (and the contents inside) rush up and flow over the sides of the bowl. Besides being incredibly embarrassing, an overflowing toilet can also cause extensive water damage and may even pose a serious health risk if raw sewage begins to leak out. To help you avoid this frightening
plumbing emergency, here is a look at some of the causes of an overflowing toilet.
Clogged Pipes
Your plumbing system uses gravity to deliver water and take water away. If a pipe is clogged with debris, water will sit in the pipe. Adding more water by flushing the toilet will cause the contents of the bowl to leak out over the sides. A plunger or plumbing snake may be able to remove the blockage; if not, contact your plumber to inspect your pipes.
Foreign Objects
Toilets are not garbage disposals. One of the easiest ways to cause your toilet to overflow is by flushing items that do not belong in a toilet. Common examples include food, toys, feminine products, and trash. Even too much toilet paper can cause your pipes to become clogged. To prevent an overflow, review the
items that should not be flushed with your family.
Tree Roots
You might not think that your trees can have an influence over the toilets in your home, but if the pipes leading towards and away from your home are above or below tree roots, they certainly do. Tree roots can cause pipes to bend, which in turn affects the pressure and gravity used to flush the toilet. So if your toilet is overflowing and you just can’t seem to troubleshoot it on your own, have your plumber inspect your pipes outside.
If your toilet is overflowing, Beacon Plumbing, Heating & Mechanical can fix the problem. We offer same day, 24-hour
emergency plumbing repair in Seattle. Visit our website to learn more about our plumbing services, or call us at (206) 452-4363 to schedule service for your home.
