Plumbing · Today

Toilet trouble? Here’s what to do.

Turn the small valve behind the toilet and the overflow stops. Then it’s a question of what’s wrong, not how fast.

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Close the valve behind the toilet. To stop a running or overflowing toilet, close the shutoff valve on the toilet's water supply. Source
Clogged: plunger or snake. For a clog, use a plunger or a plumber's snake. Source
Runs until you jiggle the handle. If the toilet runs unless you jiggle the handle, the lever bar, chain, or handle may be sticking; adjust the nut that secures it in the tank. Source
Water spills into the overflow tube. If water spills into the overflow tube, lower the level with the adjustment screw or by gently bending the float arm down. Source
What goes down. Flush only human waste and toilet paper. Wipes, tissues, diapers, and paper towels go in the trash. Source

Photo: Clay Banks, Unsplash

Usually a job for today.

Call nowAn overflow you cannot stop, or sewage coming up in the toilet or other drains.

TodayThe only toilet in the home is clogged and a plunger has not cleared it, or water leaks at the base when flushed.

Can waitA running or silently leaking toilet. It wastes water but is usually a worn flapper; Longview calls leaking toilets the top source of wasted water at home.

Before you call

Safety first

If sewage is involved, wear rubber boots, rubber gloves, and goggles while cleaning up. Source
Never mix chlorine bleach with commercial toilet bowl cleaners. Source

What to tell the plumber

Running, leaking (tank or base), clogged, or overflowing.
Whether other drains are also slow or backing up.
Whether anything other than toilet paper was flushed (wipes, toys, hygiene products).
Toilet brand/model or a photo inside the tank, and the result of a dye test.

What it costs

We don’t publish prices we can’t source. Your plumber looks, then quotes before starting.

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