Watching your toilet fill with water after flushing it can send anyone into a panic. Not only is it inconvenient, but the stress of possible water damage adds more insult to injury. 

Mullin Plumbing is here to help you through this unfortunate situation. We’ll discuss the reasons why this commonly happens and helpful actions you can take to minimize damage. 

What Causes Your Toilet to Fill Up When Flushed?

You’re probably wondering, what causes this situation in the first place. Well, a few things. Three common causes can lead to your toilet water filling up after flushing. Let’s take a look.

1. Clogs in the Pipes

The most common reason? Clogging. A clog in the pipes connected to your toilet can stem from a variety of causes. This can be caused by flushing items like flushable wipes (which aren’t supposed to be flushed), toilet paper build, minerals, or even tree roots.

2. A Blocked Vent Pipe

While you may not realize it, your toilet is connected to a vent pipe. This vent pipe helps regulate pressure within the pipes. Much like a clogged toilet, blockages within the vent pipe can cause the toilet to fill with water due to a lack of air circulation. Vent pipes typically become clogged by leaves, debris, or even a bird’s nest. 

3. Issues with the Flapper or Fill Valve 

Lastly, it could be a mechanical issue with the flapper or the fill valve. A toilet that keeps filling up with water after it has been flushed could be due to the flapper not sealing properly. The flapper is the rubber piece that lifts when the toilet is flushed. It can also be due to a faulty fill valve. These components can be easily fixed with repair. 

Why Wouldn’t the Water Go Down When I Flush?

Other and less common causes for this issue include: 

• A broken chain or handle 
• Faulty float 
• A blocked rim jet 

Complications with these toilet components are known to prevent water from going down when you flush. 

How to Fix a Toilet That’s Filling Up

Whether you’re currently dealing with this issue or need advice for the future, it’s important to know what steps to take. Here’s what you can do to curb this issue. 

Check the Toilet Tank

Checking the toilet tank is one of the first things you should do next to using the plunger. You might find:

• The water level is set too high
• The flapper is old or broken
• The chain is unhooked

You can adjust the valve level to lower it, replace the flapper, or rehook the chain if these are the issues.

Turn to Your Plunger

Proven time and time again, a plunger is the first and trustworthy method to fix a clogged toilet. Your plunger should have a flange; these are the ones made for toilets. Insert the plunger into the toilet and firmly push it down repeatedly until the toilet flushes. If it’s a minor clog, this method should work the majority of the time. 

Inspect the Vent Pipe

Inspecting the vent pipe for blockages is a much more difficult task. We recommend contacting a professional to inspect your vent pipe since it involves climbing onto the roof. At Mullin Plumbing, we use the necessary tools to remove the obstruction and restore air circulation within your home’s pipes. 

Consider Professional Drain Cleaning Services 

If none of these recommendations have proven to be effective, it’s time to turn to the professionals. Mullin Plumbing has access to tools like drain snakes and hydro-jetters to eliminate the worst clogged toilets. Don’t neglect this if the clogging is this severe—you don’t want to deal with a flooded bathroom. 

Tips for Unclogging a Toilet With Your Plunger

It might seem like a simple task, but there are effective ways to use your plunger. Here are some tips on how to fix a clogged toilet with a plunger. 

Act Fast

Promptly responding to a clogged toilet is important. Remove the tank lid, find the flapper, and push it down to stop flowing water. Then, turn off the water valve. 

Make Sure You Have the Right Plunger

To best fix a clogged toilet, you should have a plunger with a funnel-style cup that creates a solid seal between it and the bowl. 

Warm the Plunger

Warming up your plunger in warm water for a couple of minutes can create an even better seal when you use it. 

Master the Technique

It’s all in the wrist. Seal the plunger within the toilet bowl and plunge it firmly up and down. Keep a steady and firm pullback motion. By perfecting this technique, a toilet with a minor clog stands no chance. 

When to Call a Plumber

If you’ve completed all of the initial steps to no avail, it’s time to call Mullin Plumbing. Your toilet is probably filling up due to a more serious issue like a severe problem in the sewer line only professionals should handle. You also don’t want to risk making it worse. 

By contacting Mullin Plumbing, you’re choosing a team with all of the necessary training and tools to effectively fix the issue. This will save you money and stress in the long run. 

The Takeaway: Don’t Wait Until It’s a Crisis – Call Mullin Plumbing!

A toilet that’s filling up with water can turn into a major problem. Do yourself a favor by turning to the professionals at Mullin Plumbing in these circumstances—it’s the best method of action you can take. 
Contact Mullin Plumbing if you have a clogged toilet on your hands. Our team of plumbers has proven methods to get your toilet and bathroom back on track.