Flooded Toilet Water Damage: Tips & Tricks
No one ever thinks their toilet flooding or leaking. In most cases, your toilet will never leak. It will just overflow with water because of clogging or blockage. However, if you consistently have a clogging problem with your toilet which causes it to overflow, do not be surprised if it starts to leak soon or later. Once it does, the leak can cause major water damage to your bathroom and possibly your home’s structure. Even though home insurance covers this damage, you’re still looking at a high deductible and a minimum of $5,000 in damages from a toilet leak.
Table of Contents
Prevent Toilet Flooding Problems
If you want to prevent a toilet leak or flooding, then perform regular maintenance on your toilet. Do not over stuff the drain with toilet paper. If you need to use more toilet paper, try flushing the toilet periodically as you continue to use more of it. If you find that the toilet is not flushing the contents down the drain, then you already have a clogged toilet. Whatever you do, don’t pull the lever to flush again. Otherwise, you’ll definitely cause it to overflow and flooding that can lead to water damage.
How to Unclog a Toilet Flooding
Every home bathroom should have a plunger in it. The most common way to unclog a toilet is to use a plunger on the drain. If you are successful, the toilet water contents should continue flushing completely.
Stop More Flooding Toilet Water
On the off chance that you do attempt to flush, and the water continues to rise, twist the knob under the tank to turn off the water. Clean up the water that fell onto the floor and call a professional plumber to handle the rest.
Avoid Toilet Water Damage
Toilet water or waste water is the worst mess to clean up, but if not handled properly, it can lead to deeper water damages. Toilet leaks can be hazardous to your health if they get too out of hand. Think about all the feces and raw sewage that exists in the toilet water. If these contents get on your flooring or carpeting, then your indoor home environment will become unsanitary.
What Comes After a Toilet Flooding?
You can expect mold, fungus, and bacteria to grow where ever you have toilet water damaged walls or flooring. Neglecting this now will create a much bigger job than properly removing the water. You will need to hire a water damage repair person to sanitize everything with special chemicals. If the water damage was bad enough, any hardwood flooring or carpeting will need to be replaced.
Stop the Flooding Toilet and Clean Up Properly
In conclusion, perform maintenance on your toilet every 6 months. Inspect the flush valve, chain, supply valve, and fill to ensure everything is functioning right. If your toilet ever gets clogged, immediately use the plunger. Do not attempt multiple flushes. This is the best way to prevent overflowing and leaks. Remember, the best knowledge you can take away is that the water flow can be stopped if you twist the knob under the tank to shut off the water to the toilet.