Problem guide
Overflowing toilet: what to do
Stop flushing, close the small supply valve if it is accessible, and check whether other drains are affected.
Overflowing toilet: stop the water
Do not flush again. If the small valve behind the toilet is accessible and operates normally, close it gently. Do not force a stuck valve: a second leak can be created by rough handling.
Keep children and pets away from the overflow. If water is near an outlet or electrical appliance, do not touch the area and use the appropriate emergency service.
One toilet or several drains?
Note whether the overflow follows every flush, whether the bowl drains slowly, whether the sink or shower gurgles, and whether other drains are backing up. One toilet may point to a local problem; several fixtures may indicate wider drainage. Only a professional can confirm the cause.
Do not add chemical product if you do not know what is already in the line. Tell the plumber what has been used, even if it did not appear to work.
Prepare a request
Share your municipality, affected fixtures, when the overflow started, and whether the supply could be shut off. A short description is enough to begin; do not dismantle the toilet to search for the blockage.
See the overflowing toilet service page or, if several drains are affected, the emergency plumbing page.