How to Drain a Toilet Bowl: A Step-by-Step Guide

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How to Empty a Toilet of Water

A clogged toilet can be a major inconvenience, especially if it’s overflowing. But before you call a plumber, there are a few things you can try to do yourself to clear the clog. One option is to empty the toilet of water. This will help you get a better look at the clog and make it easier to remove.

In this article, we’ll show you how to empty a toilet of water safely and effectively. We’ll also provide tips on how to prevent future clogs.

What You’ll Need

  • A bucket
  • A plunger
  • A toilet brush
  • A pair of gloves
  • A drain snake (optional)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Put on the gloves.
2. Place the bucket under the toilet bowl.
3. Open the toilet tank lid.
4. Use the plunger to plunge the toilet bowl until the water level drops below the rim.
5. Use the toilet brush to loosen any remaining clogs.
6. If the clog is still not cleared, use a drain snake to snake the drain.
7. Flush the toilet to make sure the clog is gone.

Tips for Preventing Future Clogs

  • Don’t flush anything that doesn’t belong in the toilet, such as paper towels, feminine hygiene products, or food scraps.
  • Keep the toilet bowl clean by scrubbing it regularly with a toilet brush and cleaning solution.
  • Use a plunger to clear small clogs as soon as they happen.
  • If you have a history of clogs, consider installing a toilet auger or a water softener.

    Step Instructions Image
    1 Turn off the water supply to the toilet. This is usually located under the sink or behind the toilet.
    2 Remove the toilet tank lid. This is usually held in place by two screws on the back of the tank.
    3 Locate the float ball and the fill valve. The float ball is a small, round ball that floats on the water in the tank. The fill valve is a small, cylindrical valve that is attached to the bottom of the tank.
    4 Push down on the float ball to release the water from the tank. The water will drain into the bowl.
    5 Once the tank is empty, turn the water supply back on.
    6 Replace the toilet tank lid.

    How to Empty a Toilet of Water

    Identify the cause of the overflow.

    Before you can empty a toilet of water, you need to figure out what caused the overflow. There are a few possible causes:

    • A clogged toilet: If the toilet is clogged, the water will not be able to drain properly and will overflow.
    • A broken toilet float: The toilet float is a small ball that floats on the surface of the water in the toilet tank. It helps to regulate the amount of water that flows into the bowl. If the float is broken, it can allow too much water to flow into the bowl, which can cause an overflow.
    • A leaking toilet tank: If the toilet tank is leaking, it can cause the water level to rise too high and overflow.

    Once you have identified the cause of the overflow, you can begin to empty the toilet.

    Turn off the water supply to the toilet.

    The first step is to turn off the water supply to the toilet. This will prevent any more water from flowing into the toilet and causing further overflow.

    To turn off the water supply, locate the shut-off valve. This is usually located behind the toilet, near the floor. It is a small, round valve with a handle. Turn the handle clockwise to turn off the water.

    Once you have turned off the water supply, you can begin to empty the toilet.

    How to Empty a Clogged Toilet

    If the toilet is clogged, you can try to clear the clog using a plunger. A plunger is a rubber cup that fits over the drain of the toilet. When you push and pull the plunger, it creates a suction that helps to loosen the clog and clear it out.

    To use a plunger, first fill the toilet bowl with about 1 inch of water. Then, place the plunger over the drain and push down firmly. Pull up on the plunger and repeat this motion several times. The suction created by the plunger should help to loosen the clog and clear it out.

    If the plunger does not work, you can try using a toilet auger. A toilet auger is a long, flexible tool with a sharp tip. It is inserted into the drain of the toilet and rotated to loosen the clog.

    To use a toilet auger, first remove the toilet seat. Then, insert the auger into the drain of the toilet and rotate it clockwise. The auger should loosen the clog and allow the water to drain.

    If you are unable to clear the clog yourself, you may need to call a plumber.

    How to Empty a Toilet with a Broken Float

    If the toilet float is broken, you can try to fix it yourself or you can replace it.

    To fix a broken float, first remove the old float. This is usually done by unscrewing the nut that holds the float in place. Once the float is removed, you can inspect it for damage. If the float is cracked or damaged, you will need to replace it.

    To replace the float, simply install a new float in the same way that you removed the old one.

    If you are unable to fix the float yourself, you can replace it. Toilet floats are available at most hardware stores.

    How to Empty a Toilet with a Leaking Tank

    If the toilet tank is leaking, you will need to fix the leak before you can empty the toilet.

    To fix a leaking toilet tank, you will need to find the source of the leak. The most common cause of a leaking toilet tank is a worn-out or damaged gasket. The gasket is a rubber ring that seals the connection between the toilet tank and the bowl.

    To replace the gasket, first remove the old gasket. This is usually done by unscrewing the nuts that hold the tank to the bowl. Once the nuts are removed, you can lift the tank off of the bowl.

    Next, apply a thin coat of plumber’s putty to the new gasket. Then, place the gasket on the connection between the tank and the bowl. Finally, replace the tank and tighten the nuts.

    Once you have fixed the leak, you can empty the toilet.

    How to Empty a Toilet without a Plunger or Auger

    If you do not have a plunger or auger, you can still try to empty a clogged toilet. Here are a few methods that you can try:

    • Use a wire hanger. Bend a wire hanger into a hook shape. Then, insert the hook into the drain of the toilet and try to loosen the clog.
    • Use a bottle of soda. Pour a bottle of

    3. Remove the toilet tank lid.

    To remove the toilet tank lid, you will need to locate the two bolts on the back of the tank. These bolts are typically located near the top of the tank, and they are held in place by nuts. Use a screwdriver to loosen the nuts and then carefully remove the bolts. Once the bolts are removed, the tank lid should be able to be lifted off of the tank.

    4. Gently pour a bucket of water into the overflow tube.

    The overflow tube is located on the back of the toilet tank, near the bottom. It is a small tube that is connected to the drain pipe. To empty the toilet of water, you will need to pour a bucket of water into the overflow tube. This will cause the water in the tank to drain out of the toilet bowl.

    Be careful not to pour too much water into the overflow tube, as this could cause the water to overflow out of the toilet bowl. Only pour enough water to fill the overflow tube about halfway.

    Once you have poured the water into the overflow tube, wait a few minutes for the water to drain out of the toilet bowl. Once the water has drained out, you can replace the toilet tank lid.

    By following these steps, you can easily empty the water from your toilet. This is a helpful skill to know if your toilet is overflowing or if you need to clean the toilet bowl.

    How do I empty a toilet of water?

    There are a few different ways to empty a toilet of water. Here are two methods:

    • Using a plunger

    1. Place the plunger over the drain hole in the bottom of the toilet bowl.
    2. Push down on the plunger and pull up quickly several times. This will create a suction that will help to remove the water from the toilet bowl.
    3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until all of the water has been removed from the toilet bowl.

    • Using a bucket and a hose

    1. Place a bucket under the toilet bowl drain.
    2. Attach a hose to the faucet and turn on the water.
    3. Place the end of the hose in the bucket and allow the water to drain from the toilet bowl.
    4. Repeat steps 2 and 3 until all of the water has been removed from the toilet bowl.

    What if the water is too high to reach with a plunger or a hose?

    If the water level in the toilet bowl is too high to reach with a plunger or a hose, you can try using a wet vac.

    1. Place the wet vac nozzle over the drain hole in the bottom of the toilet bowl.
    2. Turn on the wet vac and allow it to suck up the water from the toilet bowl.
    3. Repeat steps 1 and 2 until all of the water has been removed from the toilet bowl.

    What if I don’t have a plunger, a hose, or a wet vac?

    If you don’t have a plunger, a hose, or a wet vac, you can try using a bucket and a rag.

    1. Place a bucket under the toilet bowl drain.
    2. Soak a rag in hot water and wring it out.
    3. Place the rag over the drain hole in the bottom of the toilet bowl.
    4. Hold the rag in place and pour cold water over it. This will help to create a seal that will prevent the water from coming back up.
    5. Repeat steps 2-4 until all of the water has been removed from the toilet bowl.

    What if the water is still overflowing after I’ve tried all of these methods?

    If the water is still overflowing after you’ve tried all of these methods, you may need to call a plumber. A plumber will be able to identify the source of the problem and fix it.

    In this article, we have discussed how to empty a toilet of water. We have covered the different methods for doing so, including using a plunger, a bucket and a hose, and a toilet auger. We have also provided tips for preventing future clogs.

    We hope that this article has been helpful. If you have any questions or comments, please feel free to leave them below.

    Key Takeaways

    • To empty a toilet of water, you can use a plunger, a bucket and a hose, or a toilet auger.
    • The best method for you will depend on the severity of the clog.
    • To prevent future clogs, make sure to flush only toilet paper and human waste. Avoid flushing feminine hygiene products, paper towels, or other non-flushable items.
    • Keep your toilet clean by regularly scrubbing the bowl and flushing a cup of baking soda and vinegar down the drain once a week.

    Author Profile

    Liana Farrell
    Liana Farrell
    Liana Farrell is the owner of toiletty.com. She is a mom of two and is very passionate about home improvement.

    Liana has ten years of home improvement experience, and in her own words, she said: “I love improving the home, and I’m very passionate about keeping the home in the best possible condition. I love it!”

    Liana Farrell balances beauty and functionality when she goes about her home improvement jobs.