Stop Flushing

• It's easy to panic when the water starts rising and flush the toilet a second or third time in hopes that it will begin to drain. This only adds more water to the bowl and causes it to overflow faster. In some toilet models, the bowl will not overflow if only flushed once, so additional flushing can actually force an overflow. If it appears the toilet is about to overflow, or it is already overflowing, do not flush again.
  
  

Lift Float

• The quickest and easiest way to stop an overflowing toilet is to lift the lid on the tank and raise the float. The float is designed to stop water from filling the tank when it reaches a certain level. By raising the float, water stops entering the tank and flowing into the toilet. This is a temporary fix, and the float must be secured to keep water from flowing. Either bend it over the top of the tank or continue to hold it while someone else shuts off the water supply to the toilet.
  
  

Turn Off Water

• A sure way to stop an overflowing toilet is to turn off the water supply to the toilet. Just below the tank or behind the bowl, there should be a faucet knob. These are often silver in color and oval-shaped. Turn the knob to the right, or clockwise, to shut off the water. If there is not a shutoff near the toilet, it may be necessary to shut off the water supply to the entire home. Once the water supply to the toilet is turned off, the float can be released and repairs started.
  
  

Plunger

• A clog is the cause of an overflowing toilet. To be able to turn the water back on and use the toilet without it overflowing, the clog must be removed. A plunger is first tool to try. It will either pull the clog up or push it down to where the sewer line widens. Place the plunger firmly over the drain at the bottom of the toilet and push the plunger up and down several times. It might be necessary to repeat this process to get the clog to move.
  
  

Auger

• If the clog is lodged too tightly, or too far down the line, a toilet auger may be able to clear it. A toilet auger is similar to a drain snake, but will not scratch or damage the toilet. Simply slide the snake or cable portion of the auger down the drain at the bottom of the toilet and turn the handle at the top. This may also take several tries in order to dislodge the clog. If neither a plunger nor an auger is successful, it's best to call a professional plumber with industrial tools to remove the clog.