What to do about a toilet that is overflowing right now
Stop the flood in four steps
Do not flush again. Each flush adds water to a bowl that cannot drain.
- Turn the oval handle on the supply line behind the toilet clockwise until it stops.
- Lift the tank lid and press the rubber flapper down to stop water entering the bowl.
- Lay towels around the base and keep children and pets out of the room.
- Call the 24/7 line and say whether other fixtures are also slow.
Common toilet problems and what causes them
| Problem | Cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Runs constantly | Worn flapper or fill valve | Replace the part |
| Weak flush | Clogged rim jets or low tank water | Clean jets, adjust the fill level |
| Rocks on the floor | Loose bolts or a failed flange | Reset with a new wax ring |
| Water at the base | Failed wax ring or cracked bowl | Reset or replace |
| Gurgles, other drains slow | Main line partly blocked | Sewer line cleaning |
A leaking toilet base can rot the floor
A slow leak at the base seeps into the subfloor, where it softens the wood and grows mold out of sight. If the floor around the toilet feels soft, or the toilet rocks, do not wait. The wax ring is cheap, but the floor beneath it is not.
A leak that appears only when you flush points to the wax seal or the closet flange. A leak that appears all the time from the tank points to the supply line or the tank bolts.
Toilets sold in the United States are limited to 1.6 gallons per flush, WaterSense labeled models use 1.28 or less, and installation must follow the International Plumbing Code (IPC), including a secure flange connection.
Toilet down tonight?
Call the 24/7 line. A licensed plumber can be scheduled the same day when available.
Choosing a new toilet
Gravity flush
Reliable and simple. Most homes use them.
Pressure assist
Stronger flush, louder, common in commercial settings.
Elongated bowl
More comfortable. Needs a little extra space.
Comfort height
Taller seat, easier to use for many adults.
High efficiency and the water bill
Federal rules cap new toilets at 1.6 gallons per flush, and many models use 1.28 or less. Replacing a very old toilet can cut water use noticeably, so a running or leaking one can show up on the El Reno utility bill. Ask the City at 405-262-4070 about your usage history if the bill is unusually high.
What affects toilet repair and installation cost
Toilet repair questions
Yes. The line is open 24/7. Shut the supply valve and call. A licensed plumber is scheduled the same day when one is available.
Most often the flapper no longer seals, or the fill valve is not shutting off. Both are inexpensive parts, but a plumber can confirm the cause.
Yes. A rocking toilet needs the seal reset and the flange checked. Do not ignore it, since a leak under the base can damage the floor.
A like-for-like swap usually takes an hour or two. A damaged flange or floor adds time.
A flange plunger is safe for most toilet clogs. If the toilet clogs again soon or other drains react, the problem is probably deeper in the line.
Related services
Slow drains
Drain cleaning clears the lines that serve other fixtures.
Leaks
Leak detection checks for hidden water.
Fixtures
Faucet and sink repair covers the rest of the bathroom.