A strong storm can cause more than roof and yard damage. Heavy rain, flooding, and power loss can also affect your plumbing system. If your toilet will not flush after a storm, do not keep pressing the handle. More flushing may cause dirty water to spill onto the floor. The problem may be inside the toilet, but it could also come from a blocked drain or an overloaded sewer line. Taking a few safe steps can help you protect your home while you wait for a plumber in Harahan.
Stop Flushing the Toilet
If the water rises after you flush, stop using the toilet right away. Turn the water shutoff valve behind the toilet clockwise to stop more water from entering the tank. If the bowl is close to overflowing, remove the tank lid and lift the float. This can stop the tank from adding more water.
Keep children and pets away from the area. Water from an overflowing toilet may contain germs, waste, and other harmful material. Wear gloves if you need to clean around the toilet. Do not use the toilet again until you know that water can move through the drain safely.
Check Other Drains in Your Home
Try a nearby sink or bathtub to see how the water drains. If only one toilet has a problem, there may be a clog in the toilet trap or the pipe below it. If several drains are slow, make bubbling sounds, or push water back up, the problem may be in the main sewer line.
Listen for gurgling sounds when you use a sink or shower. You may also notice a bad sewer smell or water coming up through a tub drain. These are signs that wastewater cannot leave the home as it should. Stop using sinks, showers, washing machines, and dishwashers. Adding more water can cause a larger sewer backup.
Look Inside the Toilet Tank
If the bowl is not full and nothing happens when you press the handle, check the tank. Carefully lift the lid and see if there is water inside. A storm may have caused a water service problem, or the toilet’s shutoff valve may be closed. Without enough water in the tank, the toilet cannot make a full flush.
If the tank has water, check whether the handle is connected to the chain. The chain lifts the rubber flapper at the bottom of the tank. If it broke or came loose, the toilet will not flush even when the drain is open. You may be able to place the chain back on the handle arm. Leave any broken parts for a toilet repair professional.
Try a Plunger for a Small Clog
You can try a toilet plunger if the issue affects only one toilet and the bowl is not overflowing. Use a plunger with a fold-out rubber flange. Place it over the drain hole so it forms a tight seal. Push down gently at first, then use firm and steady strokes.
Do not use strong chemical drain cleaners. They may not clear the blockage, and they can damage some pipes or splash onto your skin. They can also create a hazard for the plumber who works on the toilet later. If plunging does not clear the clog after a few tries, stop and call for help.
A Storm Can Affect the Sewer System
Heavy rain can place a lot of pressure on local sewer systems. Water may enter damaged pipes or fill the system faster than it can drain. Tree roots, mud, and storm debris may also block a sewer pipe. If your home uses a septic system or sewage pump, a power outage may stop that equipment from working.
Do not open a sewer cleanout or remove the toilet to inspect the pipe yourself. Wastewater may be under pressure and could spill into your home or yard. A plumber can use the right equipment to inspect the line, find the blockage, and decide whether drain cleaning or sewer line repair is needed.
Be Careful After Flooding
If floodwater entered your home, do not assume the toilet is safe to use once the water goes down. Flooding can move the toilet, damage the wax seal below it, or crack hidden pipes. It can also carry dirty water into your plumbing fixtures.
Watch for water around the toilet base, a loose toilet, bad smells, or stains on the floor. These signs may point to a damaged seal or pipe. Avoid touching floodwater without gloves and protective clothing. Keep the area closed until it has been cleaned and the plumbing has been checked.
Call Blair Plumbing for Help in Harahan
A toilet that will not flush after a storm may be caused by a simple clog, a broken tank part, or a larger sewer problem. If the water keeps rising, several drains are slow, or sewage enters your home, get professional help right away.
Blair Plumbing is a family-owned company that has served the New Orleans area since 1977. Our team handles toilet repairs, clogged drains, pipe inspections, and sewer line problems. Contact Blair Plumbing today to schedule service with a trusted plumber in Harahan and get your toilet working safely again.