If you notice that the toilet water rises when you open the flush valve, there are several possible causes. For a homeowner, it’s important to know what to do when the water in the toilet bowl rises.
In most cases, you can solve the problem yourself. But sometimes you’ll need to call a plumber.
It’s important to address a high water level quickly. Whether the cause is debris in the vent opening, a partial clog, or a problem with the flapper, the toilet might overflow if the water rises too high.
Reasons for Too Much Water in the Toilet Bowl
The water level in the toilet bowl is dependent on several factors. When the toilet fill system activates, the level rises to replace the water supply that drains.
A clog will lead to this water level rise. You’ll know that it’s only a partial blockage of the drainage pipes because the water drains somewhat.
Instead of overflowing, the water will slowly go down the drain hole.
You might also be dealing with a broken flapper. Fortunately, new flappers are fairly inexpensive and can be found on Amazon.
You can find links to ideal replacements with recommendations from the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program.
The third most common reason is that the vent pipe is clogged. This vent opens on the roof and can be easily clogged with debris.
In this case, you’ll typically hear gurgling in the drain opening due to the unbalanced atmospheric pressure.
Fixing a Clog
If your toilet drain is clogged with toilet paper, oftentimes you just need to wait. The material will dissolve on its own, and then you can flush the toilet normally.
But any non-organic materials can cause obstructions that need to be taken care of.
You should have a toilet plunger already. Simply fit the plunger over the flange until you get an airtight seal.
Then plunge up and down several times to dislodge the clog. Try flushing again and see if the fill level is at the appropriate height.
If plunging isn’t working, you might need a toilet auger. This plumbing snake can move through the waste line until it finds the clog.
It can then break up the materials, making them much easier to move. Put on some rubber gloves and then feed your toilet snake through the pipes until the clog is dislodged.
Fixing a Flapper
To determine whether the flapper is broken, you’ll need to take the lid off the toilet tank. The flapper is the rubber piece that is located on the bottom of the tank.
If the flapper isn’t able to seal to the tank, then it is broken and needs replacing. You might want to use the shut-off valve to cut off the water supply before replacing it.
Many kits come with step-by-step instructions for how to do so. You might need basic tools like a wrench and screwdriver.
If the flapper is intact, then you might need to use the adjustment screw on the fill valve. Sometimes there might not be enough water entering the tank, or there might be too much water.
By adjusting the fill valve, you change the amount of water that flows into the toilet bowl.
Fixing an Air Vent
If the issue isn’t in your cistern or your wastewater pipes, then the problem might be with your air vent. This vent is located on the roof, so it can become clogged with leaves and other debris.
You’ll want to go up to the roof with a garden hose. Put the hose into the vent and turn it on.
This will wash away the varying debris.
If the water immediately overflows, then you know you’re dealing with a clog. You’ll want to use your trusty toilet snake to break up the clog, and then wash the vent out with your hose.
Final Thoughts
If your toilet water rises too high when you flush, the most likely culprit is a clog. A partial clog will allow the water to drain slowly.
You might also have a damaged toilet flapper. This can be easily replaced.
Alternatively, you might need to adjust the water level in your toilet tank.
The final potential issue is with your air vent. The air vent is necessary to equalize the air pressure.
If it gets clogged, the toilet won’t be able to drain as easily. But you’ll need to go up to the roof to unclog it with a hose.