A toilet that is overflowing, leaking at the floor or running without stopping cannot wait for a business day. Our line is staffed 24/7, and a plumber can usually reach a Port Hueneme address the same day.
If it is overflowing, lift the tank lid and press the flapper down, or close the supply valve behind the toilet by turning it clockwise. Do not flush again. Mop up with towels, and call if the water does not stop or comes back.
Toilet overflowing: what to do first
- Stop flushing and lift the tank lid.
- Push the flapper down to stop water entering the bowl or close the supply valve at the wall.
- Put towels around the base and keep the area dry for safe walking.
- Do not use the washing machine or run other fixtures if the toilet is backing up from the line.
- Call and tell the dispatcher whether other drains are slow.
A toilet that overflows once and clears is usually a local clog. If the tub or other drains also gurgle or back up, the problem is further down the line, and we move to the main-line steps on our drain cleaning page.
Problems we repair
| Symptom | Common cause | Fix |
|---|---|---|
| Running toilet | Worn flapper, bad fill valve or chain | Replace flapper, fill valve or both |
| Weak flush | Clogged rim jets, low water level, partial clog | Clean jets, adjust level, clear line |
| Water at the base | Failed wax ring or loose closet bolts | Reset toilet with a new wax ring |
| Rocking toilet | Loose bolts or damaged flange | Tighten, shim or repair flange |
| Leaking from the tank | Cracked tank or bad tank-to-bowl gasket | Replace gasket or toilet |
| Constant refilling noise | Fill valve not closing | Replace fill valve |
Flange and floor damage
If a toilet has leaked for a while, the closet flange and subfloor can suffer. A rocking toilet or a soft floor near it is a sign the leak has been running longer than it looked. We check the flange and the floor when we pull the toilet, and tell you if the subfloor needs attention before we set a new toilet.
Replacing a toilet and California fixture rules
State law sets the water use of new toilets. Assembly Bill 715 requires high-efficiency toilets at 1.28 gallons per flush or less, in effect since January 1, 2014. Senate Bill 407 defines a toilet as noncompliant if it uses more than 1.6 gallons per flush in buildings built on or before January 1, 1994, set replacement deadlines of January 1, 2017 for single-family homes and January 1, 2019 for multifamily and commercial buildings, and requires seller disclosure.
In practice, if you are replacing an old toilet, you will be installing a compliant model. We help you choose a size and height that suit the room and the users, and we haul away the old one.
What affects the price of toilet repair or installation
A toilet job is either a small part or a full replacement. These factors set the price.
Repair or replacement
A flapper or fill valve is inexpensive. A new toilet includes the fixture and the install.
Condition of the flange and floor
A damaged flange or soft subfloor adds work.
Toilet model
Standard, comfort-height, one-piece and wall-hung models differ in price and install time.
Shutoff valve condition
A seized or leaking angle stop may need replacing at the same visit.
Time of day
Emergency dispatch costs more than a scheduled appointment.
Insurance may cover sudden overflow damage but not the toilet itself or a slow leak. Photograph the area before cleanup.
You get a clear price before work starts. Call (805) 249-7135 with the symptom and we give a range on the phone.
Toilet overflowing right now?
Close the supply valve and call. We send the next plumber and talk you through what to do until we arrive.
Rentals and shared bathrooms
With about half of Port Hueneme households renting, many toilet calls come from tenants. Tell your landlord or manager early, because responsibility depends on your lease and the cause. We give a written note of what failed so a manager can respond quickly.
We repair and install toilets in Port Hueneme, Oxnard and Channel Islands Beach. For worn valves under sinks and other fixtures, see our faucet and fixture repair page.
Questions about Toilet Repair and Installation in Port Hueneme
Yes. The line is staffed 24 hours a day. If a toilet is overflowing or leaking, close the supply valve behind it and call (805) 249-7135. We send the next available plumber.
The usual cause is a flapper that no longer seals, a fill valve that does not shut off, or a chain that is too short or too long. These are quick, inexpensive fixes.
Most often the wax ring has failed or the closet bolts have loosened. We reset the toilet with a new ring and check the flange and floor.
Yes. State law requires high-efficiency toilets at 1.28 gallons per flush or less, and older buildings must replace noncompliant fixtures under SB 407. We install compliant models.
Yes. We rough in or connect the drain and supply, set the flange and toilet, and test for leaks. A permit may be needed for new plumbing, so ask the city Building and Safety Division at 805-986-6512.