Problem guide · SAMPLE

Toilet overflowing in Tacoma — stop the water in under a minute.

Bowl water climbing over the rim means a clog in the toilet trap, a branch drain, or the main sewer. Clean tank water and sewage are different risks. Stop the fill before you grab a plunger.

Do this first

1. Do not keep flushing.
2. Lift the tank lid. Hold the float up or close the flapper so the tank stops filling.
3. Turn the angle-stop supply valve behind the toilet clockwise until it seats.
4. If multiple fixtures back up, or you smell sewage or see black water, leave the plunger alone and follow /sewer-backup/ (Tacoma City line vs private side sewer).
5. Red Cross: if sewage lines may be damaged, avoid fixtures and call a plumber (Red Cross utilities).
6. King County / SPU treat sewage exposure as a biohazard. Protect skin and eyes. Keep children and pets clear (SPU Side Sewer Backups).

When to call a plumber

Call if the valve will not stop the fill, the plunger fails, water returns from other fixtures, sewage hits the floor, or the ceiling below takes damage.

Call a listed shop

Call a listed shop from this directory. Phones are locked from the harvest. Confirm yourself before you hire.

• DrainTech Northwest — (253) 265-9687 · Listing
• Hunt's Services — (253) 533-7500 · Listing
• Bob Larson Plumbing — (253) 499-7044 · Listing
• American Mains and Drains — (253) 553-3617 · Listing
• Master Plumbers Tacoma — (253) 541-1039 · Listing
• All About Rooter LLC — (253) 676-9119 · Listing

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Related problems

Sewer backup · Burst pipe

Also: regional toilet overflowing page

Problems: Burst pipe · Sewer backup · Water heater leaking · Toilet overflowing · No hot water · Gas leak