5 Things That Cause Toilet Bowls to Fill with Water

If you’ve ever flushed a toilet and seen nothing go down but the bowl fills with water, you know that’s a panic inducing moment and it can be frustrating to deal with too. So what causes this toilet overflow problem? Well, there are a few possibilities. 

Clogged Drain

The most common cause of a toilet just filling with water when flushing is a clogged drain. You can try using a plunger or a toilet snake in these cases. If that doesn’t work, you may need to call a professional plumber to fix the problem.

Malfunctioning Flapper Valve

If the flapper valve is malfunctioning, that can also cause the toilet bowl to fill with water. The flapper is located in the toilet tank (on the back of the toilet) and controls water flow into the bowl. Water can leak into the bowl if the flapper is damaged or not sealing properly. To fix this issue, just replace the flapper with a new one. This is a fairly inexpensive part to replace.

Problem with the Fill Valve

The fill valve is what causes the toilet tank to refill after flushing. When not working correctly, this broken valve can cause the toilet bowl to fill up with water. In this case, the valve either needs to be adjusted or replaced. This is also a fairly inexpensive part, although some may find it tricky to replace and need a professional on hand to take care of things.

Water Pressure Issues

When water pressure is too high, it can cause the toilet bowl to fill when flushing. High water pressure can also cause the fill valve to malfunction. A pressure-reducing valve can be installed to regulate the water pressure. This part is a little more pricey and will likely require a professional plumber.

Vent Pipe Issues

The vent pipe maintains proper air pressure in the drain system. If the vent pipe is damaged or blocked, the toilet bowl may fill with water after flushing. A professional plumber can inspect the vent pipe and make the needed repairs.

Pinning down which of these 5 issues is the problem when the bowl fills with water may be a process of elimination. If you are uncomfortable with performing these tasks or unable to resolve the problem on your own, call Jerry’s Plumbing & Heating and we’ll come get your toilet problem sorted out.