
Although there are more serious plumbing emergencies that can strike a house, the overflowing toilet plumbing emergency is the one that causes the most sudden and panicked response. We don’t blame people for getting a bit freaked out when something like this happens.
We have good news, which is that it isn’t as difficult to deal with an overflowing toilet as it might seem. You may need to call for a professional plumber in Essex, VT to help with repairs, but with some quick thinking and a few steps, you can stop the immediate emergency and give yourself time to breathe. You can always trust our plumbers to be ready to help with whatever plumbing trouble you have, no matter the time of the day or night.
Anyway, on to what you can do about that overflowing toilet.
How do you handle an overflowing toilet safely?
- Turn off the water immediately: Shut off the valve behind the toilet to stop more water from filling the bowl.
- Stop flushing: Flushing again can worsen the overflow and increase water damage.
- Contain the water: Use towels to limit spreading and protect nearby flooring.
- Try plunging once water levels drop: If the clog does not clear quickly, contact an emergency plumbing company.
Call a 24 hour plumbing company if sewage backs up: Ongoing overflow or multiple drain backups require professional plumbing services right away.

We’ve written posts before about toilet plumbing emergencies,
