Toilet Water Flooding: Here’s What You Need to Know

11/15/2019 (Permalink)

There’s nothing quite like the feeling of doom you get when you look into the toilet bowl and see water going up instead of down. At SERVPRO of Richardson, our flood damage restoration experts know precisely what that’s like. When toilets overflow after flushing, the culprit is usually a clog somewhere in the line. There are several things you can do to stop toilet water flooding before the bathroom gets ruined. But first, you’ll need to assess the source of trouble. 

When Toilet Flooding is from a Run-of-the-Mill Clog

Most instances of toilet overflows are due to clogs that are easy to fix. The first thing you’ll need to do to stop the damage before it starts is to prevent the water from flowing into the toilet in the first place. Quickly remove the tank lid and push down on the flapper valve. The water in the toilet tank is clean, incoming water, so it’s safe to put your bare hand inside. When you press down on the flapper valve, it prevents water from going down into the toilet bowl and flooding your bathroom. Secure the flapper valve with something to hold it in place. 

Next, you’ll need to stop the tank from filling with water. Pull up on the float that operates the tank fill valve. You’ll need to secure and hold down both the flapper valve and the float for a minute to stop the water supply to the bowl and tank. This will allow the water level in the bowl to go back to normal, preventing it from overflowing down the sides of the toilet and ruining your floors.

Water level not going down? Don’t panic. Turn off the water valve on the back of the toilet at the base. Turn it clockwise to shut off the water supply. 

Remove the Source of the Clog

The first tool you’ll want to use is a flange plunger to get rid of any blockage in the toilet pipes. Secure the head of the plunger tightly over the drain in the toilet bowl, and plunge away. Most of the time, you’ll be able to get rid of the clog with a few plunges before the toilet will flush properly. 

Some issues with toilet flooding are due to more than a simple clog. If plunging doesn’t work and the toilet overflows even without flushing, then the clog might be deep inside the drainpipe, where a household plunger won’t touch it. 

Clogs can end up in the mainline or sewer line. Any running water from other places in the house, like the dishwasher, will backflow into the toilet, which is the lowest exit point within the entire plumbing system. Are you on a private septic system? If so, the septic tank might need draining. A full tank can cause these types of toilet flooding issues. 

What to do if Toilet Flooding Isn’t from a Clog

Overflowing toilets that aren’t due to clogs can cause severe damage to your plumbing system and the home’s interior. Backflows of sewage water are extremely hazardous to the health of anyone living in your home. In these instances, you will need to contact a reputable flood damage restoration pro as soon as possible. At SERVPRO of Richardson, we not only restore your home from water damage, but we can also repair your home’s systems from toilet water flooding. 

The Bathroom’s Been Flooded from Toilet Overflow: Now What?

The first thing you’ll need to do if your bathroom has flooded is call us for water damage repair. In addition, there are a few things you’ll need to do to reduce the water damage while you wait for us to arrive. 

1. Keep the water supply to the toilet turned off. 
2. In flooded bathrooms, you need to be concerned about a possible electrocution. Be sure to turn off electricity to a flooded bathroom via the circuit breaker panel. Never enter a flooded bathroom with standing water on the floor when electrical outlets and light fixtures are still supplied with electricity. If you aren’t sure how to turn off your bathroom electricity from the panel, contact an electrician asap, and make sure no one goes into the bathroom while it’s still “hot.” 
3. Document. Even small amounts of water can turn into a massive headache. Take photos of the damage immediately before cleanup starts. Pictures and documentation can also help your case if you end up filing an insurance claim. 
4. Don’t forget your cabinets and storage items. Get everything out of the vanities and bathroom cabinets or other storage items that are in contact with the floor. Water damage inspection is important, so be sure to take photos yourself and leave the cabinet doors and drawers open to allow air to circulate. This can also prevent mold growth. 
5. Small pools of water on vinyl or tile flooring can be easily cleaned with a mop and some towels. Old newspaper laid flat inside wet cabinets can absorb moisture. 
6. Remove any rugs or bathmats from the area. Don’t leave any fabrics in the bathroom (like towels) so as to prevent mold and mildew issues. 
7. Do your best to ensure the air is circulating to that area of the home. If it’s summertime, turn up the AC to keep it cool and cut down on the humidity in the bathroom. Consider opening the windows or setting up a box fan on a stand in the bathroom doorway to circulate the air and start the drying process. Be mindful of running extension cords near the bathroom to prevent electrocution hazards. 
8. Keep children and pets away from the flooded bathroom. Set up a baby gate in the bathroom door if you have pets and kids to keep safe. 

Dealing with an overflowing toilet is never a fun part of homeownership. Keep these water damage removal tips in mind if your toilet overflows and the bathroom floods. For severe instances of bathroom flooding, contact the flood damage restoration professionals at SERVPRO of Richardson. Representatives are standing by to answer your questions about how we can get your home back into tip-top shape.