Last Updated on January 10, 2023 by acechapman
A functioning toilet is an essential part of modern-day life. It can be very frustrating to have your toilet stop working and cause you concern. Instead of running to the nearest gym or neighbor’s house to use their toilet, try fixing it yourself. Continue reading to learn some tips on what to do when toilet water rises.
Toilets can have many problems. One of them is the possibility that the toilet water level rises too high after you flush it. The level of water in the tank and the internal S-trap regulate the toilet water level. The toilet bowl also has a section that is empty when the flush stops. This causes the bowl to rise above the height of its trap outlet.
Adding more water to your tank sometimes is the best solution to water rising too high during flushing. Also, sometimes it is necessary to inspect for blockages. To determine the real reason behind the water rising, it is important to first identify the problem.
Before you start toilet repairs
You need to know these steps before you attempt to fix your problem with the toilet.
- Identify the problem in the area you are going to be working.
- Set aside a bucket and towels.
- Turn off the water supply valve.
- To empty the tank, flush the toilet.
- The supply line should be disconnected from the tank. To wipe the tank dry, use a sponge.
Before you reach in to remove blockages, clean and disinfect the bowl.
How to fix your toilet water that rises too high when flushing?
Below are the tools that you will need:
- Plunger
- The toilet auger or a drain snake
- Garden hose
- Rubber gloves
- Screwdriver
Step 1
Clear any blockages from the waste line, if possible, use a plunger. When the bowl appears to be overflowing, you should use a plunger. If the plunger fails, you can try your toilet auger or a snake.
Use your toilet auger and press the handle into the bowl until you feel some pushback. Turn the handle of the auger. The toilet level will drop as the auger works its way through the blockage.
Step 2
If the blockage persists, you can climb up onto the roof to clear the obstruction. The reason is that the debris in the vent line can block airflow to your toilet and slow down its draining. It can also lead to blockages.
If the blockage persists, you can try to flush it down the vent pipe. Spray water with your hose in the vent opening. It should now be clear.
Step 3
You will need to shut off the water supply to the toilet. The tank should be cleared if you hold the flushing handle down.
Grab your rubber gloves and reach into the bowl to remove any toilet paper, tampons, or other debris. This is important because it can block the water from the bowl.
Step 4
Turn on the water again. The tank will fill if there are no more items in the bowl. Check the water level after it has filled. The water level should not exceed 1 inch from the overflow tube. It should not be more than 1 inch below the opening of the overflow tube. This indicates that there is not enough water in the bowl to flush it.
Step 5
It is now time to adjust your fill level. This can be done by resetting your float. To reset the floating, turn it clockwise to reduce the length of its rocker arm. This will allow you to put less pressure on your toilet’s valve, which will make it take longer for it to close.
Step 6
You will now need to locate the collar-style flotation that fits around your fill tube. Locate the adjustment screw at the top of the rod and turn it clockwise using your screwdriver. To keep the valve open, do the opposite of what was done before.
A clip may be used in place of a screw. These toilets can be used to push the rod down by squeezing the clop.
Step 7
You can adjust the water level by turning the adjustment screw located on top of your fill valve. You can loosen the screw by turning it counterclockwise. To close the valve, the float must rise higher.
Other causes of low toilet water
Your dog
Your dog may drink from your toilet. This could be a sign that your water level in the bowl is too low. Avoid this by closing the lid and giving your pet enough water elsewhere. A bowl that is too low can lead to serious health problems. Give your pet another source of water.
The lid is open too often
Low water levels can occur if you don’t use your toilet often and leave the lid unclosed. This is because the water is evaporating. You can fix this by closing the lid when you’re not using the toilet.
If Your Toilet Won’t Stop Running
A running toilet can waste a significant amount of water and increase your water bill. Here are a few things you can try to fix the problem:
- Check the flapper: If the flapper is not sealing properly, water can continuously leak from the tank into the bowl. Turn off the water supply to the toilet, flush the toilet, and then check to see if the water in the tank stops running.
- Inspect the fill tube: Turn off the water supply to the toilet, flush the toilet, and then check to see if the water in the tank stops running. If the fill tube is not inserted properly into the overflow tube, water can continuously run from the fill valve into the overflow tube.
- Check the fill valve: If the fill valve is not working properly, water can continuously flow into the tank, causing the toilet to run. Turn off the water supply to the toilet, flush the toilet, and then check to see if the water in the tank stops running.
- Inspect the flush handle: Check to see if the handle is loose or if the chain is too long, and make the necessary adjustments. If the handle is loose or if the chain that connects the handle to the flapper is too long, the flapper may not be able to seal properly.
- Check the tank-to-bowl gasket: If the gasket is worn or damaged, water can leak from the tank into the bowl, causing the toilet to run. Check for any visible signs of wear or damage, and replace if necessary.
If none of the above steps work, it may be a sign of a more serious issue and it’s best to get a professional plumber to take a look.
Wrapping up
You should first identify the source of why your toilet water level rises when flushing. You could have a blocked toilet, a damaged flapper, or a blockage in the air vent.
Once you have identified the problem, you will be able to solve it by following the steps described above. It all comes down to clearing out the toilet and replacing the old flapper.
Image source:
“Closeup view of a flushing white toilet. The water swirls in the toilet bowl” by wuestenigel is licensed under CC BY 2.0.
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