How to Drain a Flooded Toilet

A flooded toilet, in most circumstances, is caused by a blockage in the toilet's pipes. This blockage could be caused by one item, such as a toy, or a build up of waste and several items. After alleviating the flooded toilet, you should find the cause of the blockage and remove it from the pipes with an auger or a small plumbing snake. Not eliminating the cause of the blockage will cause more floods, which will ultimately mean water damage in the bathroom.

Things You'll Need

• Mop
• Towels
• Plunger
• Auger or plumbing snake
• Bucket

Instructions

1. Reach behind the toilet and turn the cut-off valve to off. This will stop the water from flowing in the toilet.

2. Flush the toilet and hold down the handle to remove the water in the bowl. This will stop the water from overflowing onto your bathroom floor. Leave the bowl with about 4 inches of water because it is easier to plunge with water in it.

3. Clean the water off the floor with your mop, towels and bucket. Do this as thoroughly as possible because water seeping below your bathroom tile can cause mold.

4. Plunge the toilet to remove the cause of the flood. If the plunger is not doing the job, use an auger or a small plumbing snake to remove the cause of the flood.

5. Remove the rest of the water from the toilet, if you must, by first flushing the toilet and holding the handle. Then lift a bucket of water high over the toilet and pour it in. This will force the rest of the water down.

6. Reach behind the toilet and turn on the cut-off valve.

References

• Danny Lipford: How to Drain a Toilet
• Hardware Store: How to Unclog Drains, Toilets and Sewers