Few things are more frustrating than dealing with a toilet that keeps flushing water all over you and the floor. If you’re experiencing this problem, don’t worry — there are several ways to fix toilet flush splash. In this article, we will explore some of the most common causes of toilet flush splash, and provide instructions on how to correct them.
The Short Answer: To stop a toilet from splashing when you flush, find out the cause (usually a high water level due to a broken flapper). Then, change out the broken piece or part with a trip to your hardware store or by calling a plumbing expert.
5 Causes of Toilet Flush Backsplash
Your toilet may be flushing water all over the place for several reasons. In most cases, the problem is due to a high water level in the tank. Several things can cause too much water in the tank, including a worn flapper or a broken fill valve. Other causes include leaking seals and blockages.
Learn how to pinpoint your problem below so you can solve it.
High Water Level Due To Worn Flapper
If there is a worn flapper (the rubber seal that covers the hole at the bottom of the tank), it will allow water to leak out of the tank. Over time, this will cause the water level in the tank to drop, which will cause the toilet to flush more frequently and with less water. (And it can add up quickly on your water bill.)
As a result, the bowl will not have enough time to fill up completely, and water will splash out of the bowl when the toilet flushes.
You can tell if the flapper isn’t working properly by taking the top off the toilet tank and looking at how it acts after you flush. The flapper should stay up until the tank is clear. If it’s dropping too early, that’s a surefire sign you need a new one.
Broken Fill Valve
The fill valve is responsible for filling the tank with water after it flushes. If there’s a broken fill valve, it will not be able to refill the tank properly, and the water level will be too low or too high.
When this happens, one of two things will occur. The toilet may flush with less water than usual, causing the bowl not to fill up completely and leading to splash-out. It may also flush due to a high water level in the tank.
Leaking Seals
Another common cause of toilet splash-out is leaking seals. There are six seals on a standard toilet, and the biggest one is between the bowl and the tank. If it’s the big seal that’s broken, you’ll see a leak anytime you flush, which could cause water to splash up.
Pipe Blockages
Blockages in the pipes can also cause toilet splash-out. If there is a blockage between the bowl and the tank, water will not be able to flow freely and will build up in the bowl. When you flush the toilet, the water level will continue to increase, and it can start to splash out of the bowl. In a worst-case scenario, a severe blockage that’s not unclogged could lead to an overflowing toilet.
Blocked Rim Jets
The rim jets are the small holes located around the inner toilet bowl edge. These holes help to clean the bowl when you flush it by shooting a stream of water up into it. If there’s a blockage in the rim jets by something like bacteria or mineral deposits, it can block the natural flow of water and lead to an unwanted spray-out of toilet water.
To determine if blocked rim jets are the problem, use a mirror so you can see them more closely, and look for any brown, black, or orange spots. If you see these colors, it’s a sign that there are bacterial deposits. If you see a scaly texture and a light color, that could point to mineral deposits.
How To Fix Toilet Water Backsplash
Once you’ve determined the cause of your toilet splash-out, you can take steps to fix it. But without knowing what the culprit is, you could waste time and money without the results you’re hoping to see. Make sure you’ve pinpointed the reason before you start trying to fix it.
If you’re still not sure, you can always call up a plumber to take a look and offer their professional opinion.
Fixing the Flapper
If the problem is a worn flapper, the solution is simple — replace the flapper with a new one. You can find replacement flappers at most hardware stores. Follow the instructions on the package to install the new flapper.
If the flapper isn’t broken but misaligned, that’s a pretty quick fix. With a pair of pliers, you may be able to tighten it or move it back into its proper place.
Replacing the Fill Valve
If you have a broken fill valve, you will need to replace or adjust it. Fixing a fill valve is a tougher repair, and you may want to call a professional plumber to do it for you. However, if you feel confident, you can find replacement fill valves at most hardware stores. Follow the directions carefully to install your new fill valve properly.
But first, you’ll need to know what kind of fill valve you have. A fill valve is also known as a ball cock, and there are several types, each with a unique fix.
- Diaphragm-style ball cock: lower the level of the water by lowering the arm that floats.
- Floatless ball cock: twist the adjustment screw counterclockwise.
- Floating-cup ball cock: grab the spring clip and slide down the float cup.
- Plunger-valve style ball cock: replace it with a newer diaphragm style ball cock.
Making these adjustments may be able to effectively lower your water levels and stop the toilet flush splash.
Replacing the Largest Seal
If you find the largest seal broken, there are a few things you’ll need to do. You might be able to simply tighten the tank’s bolts to stop the leak, but in most scenarios, you’ll need to replace the seal entirely.
Here’s How To Do It
First, drain your toilet tank and remove it from the toilet bowl. Place it upside-down for a better view and better access to the seal you’re looking for. Take the seal out and replace it with a new one of the same style.
Clearing Blockages
If you think there’s a blockage causing your toilet to splash out, grab a plunger. Place the plunger into the well of the toilet bowl, pressing slowly and gently to create some air beneath it. Then, pull back to suction the blockage up out of the pipe and into the toilet bowl.
If that doesn’t work, or if the water level is too high to use a plunger without overflowing the toilet, you may need to use a plumber’s snake to clear the blockage. With either of these methods, you should be able to clear any blockages and get your toilet flushing properly once again.
Unblocking Rim Jets
If you have blocked rim jets, causing toilet flush splash, the easiest way to clean them is with a vinegar solution. Simply mix 1 part vinegar with 2 parts water, spray it on the rim jets, and pour it into the toilet bowl.
Make sure the mixture fills up the bowl completely to cover the rim jets. Allow it to sit for at least 30 minutes before flushing. The vinegar will help to break down any mineral deposits or bacteria that may be clogging up the rim.
You could also use a water and bleach mixture instead of 1 part bleach to 10 parts water.
Then, use a scrubber to scrub the jets one more time, and give it a final flush.
What Are the Health Concerns of Toilet Flush Splash?
While a toilet splash here and there might not seem like a big deal, it can pose some health concerns. First of all, bacteria from the toilet bowl can easily become airborne when water is splashing around. If you or someone in your family has a compromised immune system, this could lead to serious illness.
In addition, toilet water contaminated with bacteria can also cause skin rashes and other infections, such as urinary tract infections (UTIs). If you have open cuts or scrapes on your skin, you’re at a higher risk of developing a reaction to toilet water splash.
For these reasons, it’s critical to take steps to fix a toilet flush splash as soon as possible. By taking care of the problem quickly, you can protect your family’s health and keep your bathroom clean.
Say Goodbye to Toilet Flush Splash for Good
Toilet splash-out is never fun, but with a little investigation and some quick repairs, you can fix the problem and get back to your normal routine.
Be patient, take your time, and don’t be afraid to ask for help if you need it. With a little effort, you’ll have your toilet flushing like new in no time.
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