Toilet Overflowing? Stop the Water First
Reach behind the toilet and turn the small oval or round valve at the wall clockwise to cut the supply. If the bowl is rising, lift the tank lid and push the rubber flapper down, or lift the float to stop more water from entering.
If sewage rises in the toilet while other fixtures gurgle, the problem is in the main line and a plunger will not help. Stop water use and call, and read the sewer line cleaning page for what to do next.
Toilet Symptoms and Likely Causes
| Symptom | Likely cause | Usual fix |
|---|---|---|
| Tank refills constantly or runs on | Worn flapper, fill valve or chain | Replace the failed part |
| Water at the base of the toilet | Failed wax ring, loose bolts or a cracked flange | Reset the toilet with a new seal, and repair the flange if needed |
| Weak flush | Clogged rim jets, low tank water or a partial clog | Clean the jets, adjust the fill, clear the line |
| Rocking toilet | Loose bolts or a damaged flange | Tighten or repair the flange |
| Water on the floor near the supply line | Cracked supply line or worn valve | Replace the supply line or valve |
| Bubbling in the bowl or tub when other fixtures drain | Blockage in the main line | Drain cleaning or sewer cleaning |
Running and Leaking Toilets
A running toilet can waste a surprising amount of water and shows up on the water bill. Most of the time the fix is a new flapper, fill valve or flush assembly, which a plumber can do quickly. To check, add a few drops of food coloring to the tank and wait ten minutes. If color shows in the bowl, the flapper is leaking.
A leak at the base is more serious because water can rot the subfloor and wet the ceiling below. A failed wax ring or a cracked flange is the usual cause, and the toilet has to be lifted to fix it.
Toilet Trouble Right Now?
Call the 24/7 line. Same-day appointments are offered when available, and you hear the price first.
Flange Repair
The flange is the ring on the floor that the toilet bolts to and seals against. When it cracks or sits below the finished floor, the toilet rocks and leaks. Flange repair kits and repair rings can restore a damaged flange without cutting the floor, as long as the pipe below is sound.
If the pipe under the flange is damaged, a different repair is needed. The plumber checks and tells you the options before you approve the price.
Toilet Installation and Replacement
A new toilet is a straightforward job on a sound floor and flange. The plumber sets a new seal, aligns the bowl, connects the supply with a fresh line and checks the flush. If you are remodeling, the toilet may be one of several fixtures, and our plumbing installation page covers bathroom work more broadly.
Ask about the rough-in distance, the measure from the wall to the center of the drain, before buying a toilet. A mismatch is the most common reason a toilet will not fit.
Multi-Unit Buildings and Shared Stacks
A third of Rolling Meadows housing is rented, according to the city's comprehensive plan, and many apartment buildings are three or four stories. In those buildings a clogged toilet can be a symptom of a shared stack, which means other units may be affected. Tell dispatch if you live in a multi-unit building so the right plumber and the property manager are looped in.
Tenants should tell their landlord or manager before authorizing work, since a lease may require it. We can speak with a property manager if you give us the contact.
What Affects the Price
Toilet repair prices vary by cause.
Insurance may cover water damage from a sudden overflow but not routine toilet repairs. Check your policy. Want your real number? Call (847) 281-8626.
Sources and Local Rules Behind This Page
Plumbing work in Illinois is governed by the Illinois Plumbing Code, 77 Ill. Adm. Code 890, which municipal inspectors enforce, and the Illinois Department of Public Health licenses plumbers. The ownership and cleanout guidance here comes from the City of Rolling Meadows sewer guide, according to which the owner maintains the lateral to the main.
We name these sources so you can check them yourself. Rules and phone numbers change, so confirm with the city office or the state before you rely on any detail for a permit or a purchase.
Common Questions
Yes. The emergency line is open 24/7. Shut the supply valve first if water is spilling.
Usually a worn flapper or fill valve. A plumber can replace the part quickly, and the bill often drops afterward.
A failed wax ring, loose bolts or a cracked flange are the most common causes. The toilet has to be lifted to fix it.
No. If several fixtures back up, the main line is blocked and plunging will not help.
Yes. We handle removal, installation and a leak check.
Still not sure what you are dealing with? Call (847) 281-8626 and describe it to our dispatcher.