- 1026 28th St. Orlando, FL 32805
- License number: cfc1429149
- (407) 930-7309
There’s nothing quite as stressful—or unpleasant—as watching your toilet overflowing. One moment you’re flushing as usual, and the next, murky water is rising fast, spilling onto your bathroom floor. Whether you’re a homeowner enjoying a quiet evening or a business owner preparing to open your doors for the day, this kind of plumbing emergency can catch anyone off guard.
Here in Orlando, we understand how disruptive and unsanitary a toilet overflow can be. Not only does it create a mess, but it can also lead to significant water damage, potential mold growth, and even health hazards if not addressed quickly. And if you’re dealing with this issue in a commercial setting, the stakes are even higher—customer impressions, staff safety, and operational flow are all on the line.
That’s why acting fast is critical. Knowing what to do in those first few moments can make the difference between a minor cleanup and a major repair bill. From shutting off the water supply to calling in professional help, having a clear plan can help protect your home or business from further harm.
In this post, we’ll walk you through the most important steps to take when you notice your toilet overflowing, explain the most common causes behind this frustrating situation, and show you how our experienced technicians at Absolute Best Plumbing are ready to step in with expert solutions. Whether it’s a one-time emergency or a recurring issue, we’re here to help you regain peace of mind—and a fully functioning bathroom.
First things first—stop the water from continuing to overflow. The sooner you can cut off the water supply, the less damage you’ll face. Most toilets have a shutoff valve located at the base, right where the water supply line connects to the wall. It’s usually a small, oval-shaped knob—turn it clockwise to stop the flow of water.
However, we know that not every emergency happens under ideal conditions. Sometimes the valve is corroded, stuck, or simply hard to find—especially in older Orlando homes and commercial buildings. If that’s the case, don’t panic. You can still prevent further overflow by quickly removing the tank lid and manually lifting the float (usually a ball or cup connected to a metal or plastic arm). Holding the float up will stop more water from entering the bowl.
If neither option works or you’re unsure what to do, your next best move is to shut off the main water supply to your property and call in a professional right away. Our team at Absolute Best Plumbing is available for fast-response service across Orlando—we’ll help you get the situation under control before it gets worse.
Stopping the water is just the beginning, but it’s the most important first step to protecting your floors, subflooring, and overall sanitation when dealing with a toilet overflowing.
Once you’ve stopped the water from flowing, it’s time to take quick action to contain the mess. Grab some towels, a mop, or even a wet/dry vacuum if you have one available. The goal is to prevent the water from spreading beyond the bathroom and into surrounding areas like hallways, baseboards, or adjacent rooms.
Even a few minutes of standing water can start soaking into porous materials like wood, laminate, and drywall, potentially leading to costly issues such as warping, buckling, or deterioration. And in Orlando’s humid climate, mold and mildew can develop quickly if moisture isn’t thoroughly cleaned and dried.
Pay close attention to corners, behind the toilet, and around any cabinetry or fixtures. If the overflow has reached carpeted areas, time is even more critical—use fans and ventilation to help dry the space, or call a water damage professional for deeper extraction.
By acting swiftly, you’re not just cleaning up a mess—you’re preventing long-term damage to your home or business. At Absolute Best Plumbing, we always recommend addressing water damage right away to avoid unexpected repair bills later. And if the toilet overflow was severe, we can refer you to trusted local partners who specialize in full-scale restoration.
We get it—your first instinct might be to hit the flush handle again, hoping to “make it go away.” But when your toilet is overflowing, this is one of the worst things you can do.
Flushing a second time won’t clear the blockage; instead, it usually forces more water—and waste—into a bowl that’s already at capacity. If there’s a clog or a deeper plumbing backup, the second flush can push water over the edge, quickly turning a contained issue into a full-blown flood across your bathroom floor.
What’s worse, repeated flushing can increase the pressure in your pipes, which could aggravate the blockage or even damage the plumbing system—especially in older properties around Orlando, where outdated infrastructure is more common than you might think.
Instead, take a moment to assess the situation calmly. If the bowl is full, do not touch the handle. If you haven’t already stopped the water using the shutoff valve or by lifting the float, do that immediately. Once the water is no longer rising, your next step should be addressing the blockage—but only after the risk of additional flooding is under control.
If you’re not sure where the blockage is or you suspect a bigger issue, our experts at Absolute Best Plumbing can diagnose the problem and clear it using professional tools and non-damaging techniques. We’ve seen it all—from minor clogs to serious sewer line backups—and we’ll make sure the fix is done right the first time.
If the overflow is minimal and you feel confident the situation is under control, you may be able to tackle the problem yourself. This is where a flange plunger comes in handy—unlike the standard cup plungers used for sinks, a flange plunger is specially designed for toilets. It has a soft rubber extension that fits snugly into the drain hole, creating a better seal and allowing for more effective pressure with each plunge.
Make sure the water level has stopped rising before attempting this step. Place the plunger directly into the toilet bowl, ensuring the flange is submerged and aligned with the drain. Then apply firm, controlled plunges—about 10 to 15 in a row—without splashing. With luck, you’ll feel the blockage give way and see the water begin to drain.
But here’s the thing: if you’ve tried plunging and nothing changes, or if the water continues to rise after even a small flush test, stop immediately. This likely points to a deeper issue such as a more stubborn clog, a blocked drain line, or even a sewer backup.
In those cases, it’s time to bring in the professionals. At Absolute Best Plumbing, we serve homes and businesses across Orlando with expert diagnostic tools and safe, non-invasive drain-clearing methods. We’ll assess whether it’s a localized blockage or a symptom of a bigger issue, like a tree root intrusion or collapsed pipe.
Don’t risk worsening the problem—especially when dealing with repeated toilet overflowing incidents. Our team is equipped to solve the issue quickly, cleanly, and with minimal disruption to your home or business.
Orlando homes and commercial properties have unique plumbing challenges thanks to our mix of older and newer buildings. Here are some of the most common reasons we get called for overflowing toilets:
Understanding why your toilet is overflowing is just as important as knowing how to stop it. Most overflows happen due to a blockage in the toilet trap or further down the drain line—and in many cases, the cause is preventable.
The most common culprits?
In commercial spaces throughout Orlando, the issue becomes more unpredictable. Customers or employees may unknowingly (or carelessly) flush inappropriate materials—napkins, wrappers, or cleaning supplies—leading to sudden plumbing failures and public restroom shutdowns.
At Absolute Best Plumbing, we’ve seen every scenario imaginable, from toys jammed in toilet drains to full-blown sewer line blockages caused by industrial paper waste. That’s why we recommend regular plumbing inspections for both homes and businesses, especially in high-use restrooms.
Knowing the root cause of your toilet overflowing can help you prevent future incidents—and if you’re unsure, our trained technicians are just a call away to diagnose and resolve the issue safely and thoroughly.
If your home or commercial property in Orlando is on a septic system, a toilet overflowing may not be just a surface-level issue—it could be the sign of a full or malfunctioning septic tank. And unlike standard drain clogs, this kind of problem requires immediate professional intervention.
Septic systems are self-contained waste management setups, and when the tank reaches capacity or its drainage field fails, waste can back up into your plumbing. This means that instead of draining properly, your toilet sends everything back into your home or business.
Common signs that a septic system may be the issue include:
If you suspect your overflow is linked to a septic issue, do not attempt to fix it with a plunger or drain cleaner. These measures won’t solve the problem and can actually cause more damage.
At Absolute Best Plumbing, we partner with trusted septic specialists in the Orlando area and can arrange for an emergency inspection and pumping service. We’ll also help you determine whether the issue stems from the tank itself or a blocked outlet line—and ensure you’re not facing a recurring sanitation hazard.
When it comes to septic systems, timing is everything. Delaying repairs can lead to extensive property damage, environmental contamination, and even health code violations, especially for commercial locations.
Another serious—and often hidden—cause of a toilet overflowing is a backed-up sewer line. Unlike simple clogs, this issue impacts your entire plumbing system. That means your sinks, showers, and bathtubs may all start showing signs of distress if the main sewer line is blocked.
Common causes of sewer line blockages include:
If more than one fixture is draining slowly—or worse, if water is backing up in multiple locations—chances are the problem goes deeper than a simple toilet clog. At Absolute Best Plumbing, we use advanced camera inspection equipment to locate and diagnose the exact cause of sewer line problems without digging or guesswork.
Depending on the issue, we may recommend hydro jetting to clear the line or trenchless repair methods to restore flow with minimal disruption to your landscaping or property. Whatever the solution, you’ll get a fast, clean, and reliable fix—so you can stop worrying about unexpected overflows and focus on what matters most.
Not every toilet overflowing incident is caused by an obvious blockage or sewer issue. Sometimes, the problem starts inside the toilet tank itself—specifically with worn-out mechanical parts. Over time, components like the fill valve, float, or flapper can degrade or malfunction, leading to a slow but steady overflow that often goes unnoticed until it’s too late.
Here’s how these parts affect your toilet:
These types of mechanical issues are especially common in older toilets found throughout many Orlando homes and commercial properties. Fortunately, they’re also some of the easiest and most affordable repairs—if caught early.
If you hear your toilet running long after a flush, notice water trickling into the bowl, or see that the tank never seems to fill correctly, it’s a sign that internal parts may need replacement. At Absolute Best Plumbing, we offer quick diagnostic checks and can replace worn components on the spot, helping you avoid water waste, high utility bills, and the looming risk of an unexpected overflow.
Keeping your toilet in top mechanical shape is a simple yet powerful way to prevent future disasters—and save money in the process.
If you’ve taken the initial steps and the toilet is still misbehaving, it’s time to call us. At Absolute Best Plumbing, we offer emergency plumbing services Orlando so you’re never left without help when you need it most.
We understand that plumbing emergencies don’t stick to a 9–5 schedule. That’s why our team is available around the clock to tackle urgent problems quickly, safely, and professionally.
Whether you’re a homeowner dealing with a single overflow or a property manager needing fast service at a rental unit, our Clogged Toilet Repair Services Orlando are designed to address the issue at its core. Here’s what we typically do:
We’ve been serving the Orlando area for years, and there’s a reason why so many homeowners and businesses rely on us. We’re more than just plumbers—we’re neighbors who genuinely care about our community.
Our services are fast, transparent, and tailored to your specific needs. We also offer:
One overflow is too many. We always educate our clients on how to prevent future incidents. Here are some of our top recommendations:
Only toilet paper and human waste should go down the toilet. Feminine hygiene products, wipes (even “flushable” ones), and paper towels should never be flushed.
Schedule annual plumbing inspections with us. We’ll check your lines, fixtures, and water pressure to catch small issues before they become big problems.
Older toilets and plumbing components are more prone to failure. Ask us about modern, water-efficient upgrades that reduce your risk of overflows and save on your utility bills.
We’re proud to offer a full range of plumbing services Orlando beyond just toilet repairs. Our expertise extends to:
Toilet overflowing? It might be a symptom of a bigger issue. Hidden problems in your main line or bathroom fixtures can lead to frequent overflows or water backup. Our water line repair service Orlando ensures your entire system is functioning smoothly. For drips, leaks, and stubborn faucet issues, turn to our expert faucet repair installation Orlando.
Sometimes, a clogged toilet is part of a much bigger plumbing issue like deteriorating pipes. Our pipe replacement Orlando services are ideal for aging homes and commercial properties.
And if your hot water runs cold while you’re dealing with a bathroom mess, we’ve got you covered with expert Orlando Water Heater repairs. We handle everything from minor fixes to full replacements.
Plumbing problems don’t just affect comfort—they can impact health and safety. That’s why it’s important to stay informed. Here are some helpful resources:
These sites provide excellent information for keeping your home or business running efficiently and safely.
Don’t let a toilet overflow ruin your day. At Absolute Best Plumbing, we respond quickly, diagnose accurately, and fix things right the first time. From minor clogs to complex repairs, we’re your go-to team in Orlando.
Let us help you restore peace of mind, cleanliness, and safety to your home or business.
Book your service today and discover why so many Orlando residents trust Absolute Best Plumbing.
