Assessing Damage From an Overflowing Toilet

2/8/2022 (Permalink)

Whitemarsh/Cheltenham offers sewage cleanup services in Wyndmoor, PA.

Counting the Costs of a Toilet Overflow

Water damage from an overflowing toilet is fairly common. Toilets are a necessary part of life, but they can create quite a mess. They can get clogged. Septic tanks stop draining properly. A flooded toilet is always bad news, and sewer damage due to an overflowing toilet or a backflow of sewage in Wyndmoor, PA, needs to be dealt with immediately.

Stopping the Overflow

When you notice your bathroom is flooding, you need to shut off the water. The toilet shut-off valve is usually located behind the commode. Don’t attempt to flush the toilet until you discover the cause of the problem.

Clean up as much of the water as you can. In most cases, you need to call a sewage company to fix the problem. Backups can be caused by clogs, septic tank backups or excessive rain. A professional can ascertain the cause of your sewage issues and come up with a solution.

Dealing With Sewage

Much of the time, an overflowing toilet can cause sewer damage. The water coming out of the bowl may be considered gray or black water. These categories need to be dealt with differently because they contain contaminants that could make you sick.

You need specialized equipment to sanitize the area. Professionals have decontamination suits and the proper tools to deal with the situation. Regular household cleaners are inadequate to kill the bacteria associated with sewage.

Surveying the Damage

Certain types of flooring are more susceptible to damage. In some cases, your flooring may need to be replaced. If the flooding occurred on a second story, you could have leakage in between the floors. Depending on the level of water damage, you may need to dry the area extensively to ensure no mold grows. Dispose of as much as possible if the cause of the overflow was sewer damage.

An overflowing toilet can be a big headache. Don’t risk it if you are dealing with potentially contaminated water. Consult a sewage damage professional to get the job done right.