Do you have a problem with your toilet water rising too high when it’s flushed? This can be an annoying issue, and it is one of the problems that a lot of people deal with.
The common causes of a rise in toilet water include a blockage in the sewer line or air vent, a problem with the toilet itself, or even something as simple as a bad seal.
Fortunately, there are a few things you can do to fix the problems. In this article, we will discuss the causes of this problem and some solutions that you can try to fix this issue. We will also provide some tips on how to prevent your toilet water from rising high in the first place!
Cause # 1: Blockage in the Toilet Itself
One of the main causes of water rising high in your toilet is a blockage in the toilet itself. This can be caused by several things, such as a build-up of sediment in the bowl, a foreign object that has been flushed down the toilet, or tree roots that have grown into the pipe.
How to clear the obstruction in the toilet?
If you think that a blockage in your toilet is causing water level to rise, there are a few methods you can use to clear the blockage.
First, try using a toilet plunger to see if that will dislodge the blockage. If that doesn’t work, you can try using a plumber’s snake to clear the obstruction. If neither of these methods works, you will likely need the help of a plumber to have the toilet professionally cleaned.
Cause # 2: Clogged Air Vent
Another cause of rising water is a clogged air vent. The air vent is a pipe that goes from your home to the outside and allows air to enter the sewer line. This is important because it prevents the sewer line from getting too much pressure and causing wastewater to back up into your home. If the air vent is clogged, it can cause water to rise in your toilet.
There are a few ways to tell if the air vent is causing your problem. If you hear gurgling noises coming from your drains or see sewage backing up into them, the air vent likely is to blame. You may also see water overflowing from the air vent itself.
The only way to fix the problem is by clearing the clogged air vent.
How to fix a Clogged Air Vent?
Fortunately, you can clear up the vent yourself by following the mentioned steps.
- Go to the roof or the top of your building where the vent is installed.
- Locate the vent opening. Most of the time, caps or other obstructions make it difficult to look through vent openings. Remove these obstructions to clear the path.
- With a garden hose or a pipe, drop water into the vent.
- Take a long auger (approximately 15-20 ft.). Feed it into the vent, and rotate it once you hit the debris so that it moves away from you.
- Turn the stick over and over again until the debris is gone.
- Pour more water and see if it drains properly. If it does, the vent is cleared.
Cause # 3: Bad Flush valve Seal
Another common cause of toilet water rising when flushed is a bad flush valve seal. The flush valve controls the flow of water into the bowl. The seal on the flush valve can become worn out over time, causing water to leak into the bowl. This can cause the water level in the toilet bowl to rise when the toilet is flushed.
Signs of a faulty flush valve seal are water leaks around the base of the toilet or a constantly running toilet. So, to fix the rise in water level in the bowl, you need to replace it.
How to replace the flush valve seal?
Replacing a worn-out flush valve is not a difficult job. You can perform this task by following these mentioned steps.
- Turn off the water to the toilet by shutting off the valve behind it.
- Make the toilet tank empty by flushing it.
- To remove the remaining water in the tank, you can use a sponge or a towel.
- Unscrew the nuts that hold the tank to the bowl and lift it off.
- Disconnect water supply line from the bottom of the tank.
- The flush valve seal is located inside the tank, where the water supply line was attached. Remove the old seal and replace it with a new one.
- Reattach the supply line and screw the tank back onto the bowl.
- Turn the water back on and check for leaks.
Replacing this worn-out is a relatively easy process that you can do yourself. However, if you are not comfortable doing it, you can always call a plumber.
Cause # 4: Blockage in the Sewer Line
The sewer line is the main pipe that carries wastewater away from your home. It is typically buried underground and connects to the municipal sewer system. If there is a blockage in the sewer line, it can cause water to back up into your toilet when you flush it. This is because the water has nowhere else to go and is forced back up the pipe.
There are a few ways to tell if a clogged sewer line is causing your problem. If more than one toilet in your home is having the same issue, the sewer line likely is to blame. You may also hear gurgling noises coming from your drains or see sewage backing up into them. In addition, you might notice that your toilet water is slow to drain.
How to fix the blockage in the Sewer Line?
If you think that there may be a blockage in your sewer line, the first thing you should do is call a plumber. They might use a camera to inspect your sewer line and determine if there is a blockage. If there is a blockage, they will be able to clear it and get your toilet water flowing.
Preventing Toilet Water from Rising
Now that we have discussed some of the common causes of toilet water rising, let’s talk about how you can prevent it from happening in the first place.
One of the best ways to prevent this problem is to have your sewer line inspected regularly. This will allow you to catch any blockages before they cause a problem.
You should also make sure that your air vent is clear and unobstructed. You can do this by checking it regularly and clearing away any debris that may be blocking it.
Cleaning the toilet regularly is also very important. In addition, close the toilet’s lid after using it, so that no foreign object enters the bowl and blocks the toilet passage.
If you follow these tips and solutions, you should be able to keep your toilet water from rising too high. However, if you are still having problems, you may need to call a plumber for more professional help.
Amos Christen graduated with a bachelor’s degree in Interior Design from Drexel University — Philadelphia, PA. Since 2003, Amos has worked with top interior design professionals in this area, including architects and interior/graphic/lighting designers. As a skilled interior designer, Amos Christen is highly versed in fine arts and crafts and uses that to supplement his main area of expertise. He often publishes articles related to home décor on several websites, including Sprucetoilets.com, Sprucebathroom.com, and Mybesuitedhome.com. He also contributes to leading interior design magazines.