What to do when the toilet starts to overflow?

 

Plunger

The first line of defence for a toilet clog is the standard plunger. If you don't already own one, buy one with a flange on the bottom that extends into the toilet drain hole, creating an airtight seal that will clear the clog in the most efficient way.

But before getting the plunger, wear rubber gloves and remove a few inches of water from the toilet bowl in a bucket with a small container to minimise the risk of spilling more water on the floor during the plunge. It is also a good idea to throw some old towels around the base of the toilet bowl to absorb any water that may spill.

Insert the plunger into the toilet by inserting the flange directly into the drain hole. Tip: To ensure a perfect seal, smear the edge of the flange with petroleum jelly. Keeping the handle upright, push the plunger up and down vigorously for 15-20 seconds, an action that pushes air and water down the drain to clear the clog. 

Clogging the drain

If the plunger does not work, the next step is to use a toilet snake, also known as a toilet cochlea, a flexible cable designed to move through the tortuous curves of the toilet drain. The cable, housed in a rubber tube, has a crank at one end and a coiled hook at the other, which can trap stubborn materials deep down the drain.

Remove excess water from the toilet in a bucket with a small container. Then place the end of the snake hook in the bowl and start turning the crank clockwise so that the cable extends into the drain. Keep turning the crank until it does not go any further: you have reached the clog. Gently pull the snake back and, if you feel resistance, you have engaged the clog. Start cranking anti-clockwise to pull the clog out of the drain and back into the toilet bowl. 

Call the Emergency Plumber in Guildford. After your call, we send immediately the right plumber to you.