As a valued Apartmentite, I wanted to give you a quick tip on what to do if the toilet in your apartment seems to be overflowing.
We've all been there. You flush the handle and watch in anxiety as the water rises higher and higher with no recession in sight. Your breathing gets quicker and the panicky feeling sets in as you utter the words, "Oh! Crap!" (No pun intended.)
Sure it feels like the natural reaction to freak out and run around the apartment screaming for help as the water rises over the tip of the bowl and begins to cascade down the sides onto the bathroom floor. Although natural, this reaction pretty much does no good except disturb the neighbors and add time for more water to run out and get closer to your carpet and other things that just shouldn't get wet.
The key, however, is not to panic. Don't let this situation get the best of you.
Most of you know this, but I have found that a surprising number of Apartmentites out there don't. There is a brass knob behind the toilet that actually shuts off the water going to the toilet. This knob turns clockwise to shut off the amount of water going to the toilet and counterclockwise to let more water run through.
So as soon as you see that the toilet may be backed up and may overflow...reach behind the toilet and turn this knob clockwise to turn off the water. You will find that the water stops filling the bowl and now you have an easier opportunity to plunge your way to freedom.
This is where keeping a plunger by the toilet at all times comes in handy. Make sure that when you first stock your apartment with all of the apartment necessities, that this is included.
After you are plunged...be sure to turn the water back on and give it a flush to see if all is working right.
Remember that a backed up toilet isn't always your fault and could in fact be something within the apartment building's plumbing, so its always a good idea to contact your apartment manager and let them know of your unfortunate incident.
Good luck!
For more tips on apartment living check out ApartmentHomeLiving.com
Related Articles
Finding True Happiness on the Top Floor of Your Apartment
By: The Apartment Dude | 05/03/2008 | Home and Family
Living on the third floor at your apartment can at times be frustrating...especially when you are trying to lug groceries or furniture up three flights of stairs. However, as frustrating as it may be from time to time, there are some really great bonuses to living on the top floor.
Buying a Bathroom Online, Risk-free
By: Ruth Brown | 11/10/2007 | Home Improvement
Bathroom company lead the way in internet sales by introducing the use of TV-style product videos, to help customers truly understand their products.
Random Solutions Using Common Household Items
By: The Apartment Dude | 02/01/2008 | DIY
I'm sure that we have all found little random other uses for items that were not their intentional use. There are a ton of them out there. Coca Cola used to clean off rust, a hair dryer used to dry glue, or an old box covered in a blanket to make an end table.
I have found a few more items that can be used in multiple ways to help you around the apartment. Check it!
Stylish Bathroom Storage Solutions
By: Ruth Brown | 08/01/2008 | Bath Showers
Bathroom Furniture has evolved in style and practicality and units now resemble minimalistic designs and styles, to maximise the illusion of space in your bathroom.
Bathroom Safety - Stop Accidents Before They Happen
By: Niall Roche | 13/03/2007 | Home and Family
Most people tend to look at their bathroom as a retreat away from the world. They never, for one second, consider that this room can be extremely dangerous at times.
Toilet, Its History and Reality
By: Arthur Prudent | 21/04/2007 | Home Improvement
For a long time our ancestors were not concerned a lot with questions of sanitary and hygiene: in the European cities slops and sewage were thrown out of the windows directly on the street...
Some Great Apartment Storage Ideas
By: The Apartment Dude | 07/01/2008 | DIY
We know the common scenario: The junk is piling up and space is running out. We have all been through this routine umpteen times and living in an apartment with all this junk can prove challenging when looking for places to store things.
You can only stuff so much in your closet before the door busts off its hinges. It's time to stop shoving things in boxes in the closet and use some of these creative storage and organizational ideas that will help you keep the junk under control.
Laundry Tips for Your Apartment Laundry Center
By: The Apartment Dude | 25/03/2008 | Home and Family
Community laundry is such a joy.
Really though, having laundry centers in your apartment community is a huge, HUGE bonus over having to go to the laundromat next to the stop and go. Although some communities actually offer laundry hookups and even washers and dryers in their actual units, most other communities offer on-site laundry centers.
There are a few really great benefits to having a community laundry center. Check it out:
Got a Question? Ask.
Ask the community a question about this article:
Frequently Asked Questions
Need help asap
By: kim | 19-08-2008
My nephew was convicted of a sexual offence and has been on a monitor for the past year or two.He works very day but can not find a place to live.He needs a place to live before the end of september or he will be on the street and that would kill his grandmother.he sees his probation officer evry tuesdayand does verything he is suppose to do.Can you help me get in contact with some one who can help him PLEASE.
Where to see toto and if possible kohler and ...
By: estoneotr | 19-08-2008
Where to see toto and if possible kohler and gerber toilets in a showroom in the westchester ny area
Will asplit in the cold wall liner of a f/f efect ...
By: Paul | 18-08-2008
Will asplit in the cold wall liner of a f/f efect the efficiency in the same way a split in the door seal does? Insurance co. says it dosent mater.
Price-pfister kitchen faucet (t529-dss) absolutely "no water pressure"
By: bfoxy2 | 18-08-2008
Recently, I purchased a Price-Pfister kitchen faucet (T529-DSS/Treviso)installation was a snap however, now I have lost practically all of my water pressure with this faucet, Stream & Spray. Tried a New Spray Head, no change. I am unable to locate any kind of water restricting mechanism. If anyone has any suggestions I would very much appreciate any help you may offer. Thanks in Advance for any help.
Bfoxy2
Can anyone help my daughter and I find an ...
By: susan alioto | 17-08-2008
can anyone help my daughter and I find an apartment in the price range of $800.00 in the southampton school district. Even if it's a studio. we live in an unsafe apt now need asap. thank you
sta409@peoplepc.com
My inlet water pipes rattle and make a noise after ...
By: phil | 17-08-2008
My inlet water pipes rattle and make a noise after flushing the upstairs toilet. It can sometimes be calmed if I open the cold water tap in the hand basin. What's the problem
Q&A Powered by:
Latest Home and Family Articles
The Infrawave Speed Oven - Microwave Fast Without the Microwave Taste
By: John Mann | 06/09/2008
The Infrawave speed oven from Black & Decker will let you forget all about your traditional toaster-oven. It's the latest thing in cooking technology.
Nyc Home Renovation Project - Do You Know What it Takes?
By: Tomer Harel | 05/09/2008
The article talks about the home renovation projects - how to take it one step at a time and reap its rewards.
Day Care Centers and Related Services
By: Dave Text | 05/09/2008
Various types of Day Care Centers offer different activities and facilities for kids. Finding the right Day Care Center for your child only requires you to check on the qualifications of both the facility, its teachers and staff.
Day Care Centers serve as a nursery for pre school children. They provide...
Stroller Bags - Why Many Parents Love Them
By: David Cummings | 05/09/2008
Stroller bags - or bags that attach to a baby's stroller as and when you want to carry around all those thingamajigs that you have to have with a baby - are a real necessity for busy parents. These bags are becoming popular with parents day-by-day because they save you...
Double Jogging Strollers to Double Your Fun
By: David Cummings | 04/09/2008
Congratulations! You have two little ones to tow around with you when you're out running errands, taking a walk, or jogging through the park. It may seem like a daunting task to have two babies to bring along rather than just one, but with a little bit of planning, you...
American Express Gift Cards
By: Chad Nordaune | 04/09/2008
American Express gift cards provide a simple solution for businesses and consumers. Businesses can reward their employees, or award their customers. Consumers can send a personalized gift card to their loved ones as a Christmas gift, a graduation present, or a birthday.
Learn How to Prevent and Disinfect Mold
By: Tony Evans | 04/09/2008
Excessive moisture and improper ventilation can lead to the growth of mold inside of homes and buildings. This article describes how to prevent mold from forming and also how to remove it once it has formed.
How to Catch a Cheating Spouse Online
By: Ed Opperman | 04/09/2008
With so many failed relationships caused by cheating its a good idea to be curious about your mates online activity.
More from The Apartment Dude
Summer Decoration Tips
By: The Apartment Dude | 15/04/2008 | Interior Design
Some Tips for Decorating your apartment during the summer
Finders Keepers, Losers Weepers
By: The Apartment Dude | 14/04/2008 | Home and Family
What would you do if you found a massive jackpot of cash on the street and noone was around?
As kids on the play ground, we always heard the phrase, "Finders keepers, losers weepers."
Maybe as kids over a kick ball or a nickel, this might be appropriate in society, but as Apartmentites in todays world this philosophy doesn't play well.
Moving? Don't Forget These Things
By: The Apartment Dude | 14/04/2008 | Home and Family
A change of address that is miles away from your previous apartment, can be a hectic move. I have moved from city to city and half way across the country a few times and from experience I can tell you that this process can be difficult.
Some of the little things that MUST be taken care of after a big move can be forgotten in the excitement of adjusting to your new surroundings.
Spring at Your Apartment
By: The Apartment Dude | 28/03/2008 | Home and Family
Spring is here in full swing and other than the allergies, everything should be rocking around your apartment. People are out walking their dogs, picnics and barbecues are starting to happen more frequently, and you will slowly see folks sunbathing at the community pool.
Etiquette in the Fitness Center
By: The Apartment Dude | 28/03/2008 | Home and Family
For all of you Apartmentites out there who fear going to the gym, fear no more. If your community has a state of the art fitness center (which most of them do), it's time for you to take full advantage.
Don't waste money and time driving to a big expensive gym, when you have everything that you will need to get in shape and stay that way included in the cost of rent and right there in your own community.
Décor Tips for Your Corners in Your Apartment
By: The Apartment Dude | 28/03/2008 | Home and Family
Have an empty corner in your apartment that draws attention away from the rest of the room because its just soooo...empty? Or have an empty corner that you just want to fill?
Here are a few simple ideas to help fill in the blanks.
Tips on Meeting Your Apartment Neighbors
By: The Apartment Dude | 28/03/2008 | Accessories
How to Meet Your Neighbors
Lawn Mowers, Weed Eaters, and Edgers...oh My! a Thought on Lawn Care at Your Apartment
By: The Apartment Dude | 25/03/2008 | Home and Family
Yes. It can seem to happen at the most inopportune time at your apartment. Whether you are trying to study for a final exam, have an important work related phone call, or even just trying to sleep in on your only day off...you suddenly hear the annoying sound.
Its a constant buzz of lawn mowers, weed eaters, and edgers making your apartment grounds look really really nice. You often wonder why they have to do it right at that time, but I want to remind you that it always could be worse.
Home and Family 
