How To Handle a Toilet Overflow

9/23/2021 (Permalink)

Depending on the extent of the leak caused by a flooded toilet, you can contact SERVPRO.

How To Deal With A Toilet Overflow

You should act quickly after a toilet overflows to limit the secondary damage caused by a sewage leak. Depending on what category of water is involved, the risk of sewer damage goes up. If the leak is large and involves black water, you may need to call a sewage company that provides restoration services in Van Nuys South, CA, as well as a plumber. Find out about the three different categories of water and simple steps you can take to fix a flooded toilet and clean up the mess.

There are three categories of water in a leak scenario:

1. Clean water: Clean water should simply be removed and the area of the leak should be thoroughly dried.
2. Gray water: Gray water includes the water from appliances such as washing machines and toilet water that only contains urine. Cleaning and disinfection are important steps.
3. Black water: Black water contains contaminants with microbes and may pose a threat of infection to individuals with compromised immune systems. Leaks involving black water should be dried and disinfected as soon as possible, ideally within 24 hours.

As soon as you realize that a toilet is overflowing, you should try to see if you can handle the clog on your own with a plunger. If you cannot, minimize the extent of a leak by using towels to prevent water from spreading and contact a plumber. Once a plumber solves the underlying issue, it is up to you to limit the extent of secondary sewer damage or call on experts to completely restore the affected area.

Depending on the extent of the leak caused by a flooded toilet, you may want to contact a sewage company that specializes in restoration. Look for a cleaning and restoration service that specializes in sewer damage in Van Nuys South, CA, if you are concerned about lingering unwanted smells or the risk of mold.