3 Tips for Dealing With a Toilet That Overflows When You Run the Shower

7/26/2021 (Permalink)

Toilet clogged in a Layton, UT, home.

If your toilet is overflowing whenever you run the shower, you probably have a clog somewhere between your toilet and the sewer. An overflowing toilet can create a sewage cleaning problem in addition to running up your water bill.

These three tips can help you fix the problem.

1. Try To Unclog the Toilet

The best place to start the process is by trying to clear the clogged pipe by snaking your toilet. To do this, you need a plumbing tool called a "snake." You can purchase a motorized snake or one that cranks by hand. Get a snake that is at least 25 feet long. To clear the clog, run the snake through the toilet or remove the toilet and run the snake through the drain. Turn on the shower to see if you have dislodged the clog. If you still have a toilet overflow, try the next tip.

2. Snake the Drain Cleanout

Your drain cleanout is a cap on your main drain. It is usually located in your crawlspace or basement. Use a pipe wrench to remove the cap. Some sewage may come out. If there is a lot of sewage backup, you may need to contact a remediation company in Layton, UT, for sewage cleaning. Run the snake through the opening and then replace the cap. Turn the shower on. If your toilet is still overflowing, try the final tip.

3. Call a Plumber

If neither of those tips worked, you probably have an issue that you can't fix yourself. You may have a more serious problem, such as tree roots that have infiltrated your sewer line, or the clog may be too far into the pipe to reach with a non-commercial snake. Call a plumber to assess the issue.

You may be able to clear a simple clog on your own. However, more complex sewage cleaning problems may require professional assistance.