Steps to Take For a Toilet Overflow

6/30/2022 (Permalink)

Flooding caused by a malfunctioning toilet is a very stressful situation. To mitigate risk of damage to your bathroom floors or walls here is a list of steps to go through while you wait for a plumber or water mitigation company to arrive; 

1. Stop the Overflow

Remove the lid of the toilet and lift the float. As you do this, ask someone else to shut off the water valve just behind the toilet. To do this, the other person will need to turn the valve clockwise.

2. Mop the Excess

Once the flooded toilet has stopped leaking, you can begin to mop up the excess water. You will also need to sanitize as thoroughly as possible. If it is a sewer damage problem, the water will be more dangerous than typical water that flows through the pipes in your home.

3. Plunge the Toilet

Plunging ensures that pipes are sufficiently cleared and that there’s no extra blockage about which you should be concerned. If plunging does not solve the issue, you will want to pay a phone call to your local sewage company.

4. Call for Professional Help

If you are certain that the water on hand is sewer water, it is crucial to call in the professionals. Your water restoration experts in Edmonds, WA will be able to examine and sanitize (or remove) the affected areas – including floors, walls and baseboards. Don't forget to shut-off the water!