Here are the basics when it comes to toilet and sewer cleanup. Note: This lens only refers to basic toilet overflow. If you are experiencing serious sewer backup, please follow this advice on sewer damage

Toilet Overflow…Well, Almost:

1) Stop the water from surging out of the toilet. Most of the time, toilets begin to overflow after being flushed. As soon as you notice the water rising, turn off the immediate water supply (this is a knob found behind and below the toilet, usually either on the left or the right).

2) Once the water has been contained, get a plunger. Grease up your elbows and begin to plunge. The goal is to get the toilet to drain itself. If you succeed, wait a few minutes and then turn on the water supply again.

3) With the water supply on, attempt a flush. If the toilet water begins to rise again, repeat the above steps. Keep doing this until your are able to achieve a flush.

4) Read the rest of the article on What to Do if Your Toilet Overflows