Stop the water
- Don’t flush againAnother flush only sends more water into a bowl that can’t drain.
- Close the flapperTake the lid off the tank and push the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank down to stop water flowing into the bowl.
- Hold up the floatLift the float, the part that rises with the water, so the tank stops refilling.
- Turn off the valveTurn the shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise until it stops. If it’s stuck or leaking, turn off your home’s main water instead.
Clear the clog
Once the water stops rising, use a flange plunger, the kind with a soft extension on the bottom. Press it in gently to get a seal, then push and pull firmly 10 to 15 times. If that doesn’t work, a toilet auger can reach clogs a plunger can’t.
Skip chemical drain cleaners. They rarely clear toilet clogs, and they make the water dangerous to splash or plunge.
Clean up safely
Toilet water can carry bacteria, so wear gloves, soak up the water and disinfect the floor. If water got under the flooring or into the ceiling below, dry it out quickly to avoid hidden damage and mold.
Is it the toilet or the sewer line?
If only the toilet backs up, it’s usually a clog in the toilet or the pipe right below it. If water comes up in a tub or shower when you flush, or several drains are slow at the same time, the problem is probably in the main sewer line. Stop using water and call a plumber.
Tip: Only flush toilet paper. “Flushable” wipes don’t break down like toilet paper, and they’re one of the most common causes of clogs.
When to call a plumber
- Plunging doesn’t clear it.
- Other drains back up when you flush.
- The toilet overflows or clogs often.
- Water leaks around the base of the toilet.
- Something solid, like a toy or a phone, went down the toilet.