You got done with your morning routine and hopped into the bathroom. To your horror, powerful swishes of brown water gush forward from the back of the toilet.
Your bathroom is flooded, and you have to take action fast.
Flooding in the bathroom happens for several reasons, from normal wear and tear or aging pipes to severe weather. When it does happen, the results can be costly and stressful for homeowners.
To save yourself from a financial disaster, assess the damage in the next five minutes.
Here are helpful tips to guide you to get the water under control and leave your bathroom back to its normal state:
Shut off the Water Supply
When dealing with a bathroom flood, the most important step is to immediately shut off the water supply. This should be done to contain the emergency and limit any damage.
Shutoff valves can typically be found near the bathroom sink and behind the toilet. If the water can be located and turned off manually, that should be the first step.
If not, the next step would be to turn off the water at the main water supply. This can be done by turning the valve on the supply line into the house.
Once both are off, it is essential to stop any further water from entering the sewer system by installing a rubber stopper in the outlet of the toilet, shower or bathtub, or any other opening.
If the flooding persists and you can’t handle it yourself anymore, then it is best to call a professional for help. They will be able to identify the source of the problem and take the necessary steps to help fix the issue.
Turn off Electricity
If you are dealing with a bathroom flood, turning off the electricity to the affected area is essential to prevent the risk of electrical shock. Here are some steps to follow.
Locate the Electrical Panel
The electrical panel is typically in a basement, garage, or utility room. It may be labeled as a “circuit breaker” or “main breaker.”
Turn off the Power
Locate the circuit breaker that controls the power to the affected area, and flip it to the “off” position. If you are still determining which breaker to turn off, you may need to turn off the main breaker to shut off power to the entire house.
Unplug anything plugged in, switch off the main breaker, and turn off the water valve. If you cannot locate the main breaker, call an expert to identify and switch it off.
Test the Power
Check the circuit breaker box and shut any breakers in the flooded bathroom. Use a non-contact voltage tester to ensure the power is off in the affected area.
Remove Standing Water
If you are dealing with a bathroom flood, removing standing water as quickly as possible is essential to prevent further damage. Here are some steps to follow:
Wear Protective Gear
Wear protective gear such as waterproof boots, gloves, and eye protection to prevent potential safety hazards. This will protect you from contamination, electric shock, or injury.
Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum
If you have access to a wet/dry vacuum, use it to remove as much water as possible. Start at the room’s lowest point and work toward the drain.
Use Towels and Buckets
If you do not have a wet/dry vacuum, use towels and buckets to soak up the water. Wring the towels into the buckets and repeat until the area is as dry as possible.
Dispose of Water
Pour the water into a toilet or sink that is still functioning correctly. If there is too much water to dispose of, you may need to ask for assistance.
Dry the Area
Use a fan or a dehumidifier to dry out the area. You can also use towels or a squeegee to remove excess moisture.
Assess the damage
After removing the standing water and drying the affected area, the next step is to assess the damage. Here are some steps to follow:
Inspect the Walls, Flooring, and Ceiling
If your bathroom has experienced a flood cleaning, it’s necessary to inspect the walls, flooring, and ceiling to determine the extent of the damage. Check the walls for water penetration, structural damage, and signs of mold. Contact a mold removal company immediately, as mold can cause some health issues.
You must also inspect the flooring for discoloring, gapping, warping, and other visible damage money. The ceiling should also be inspected for signs of water damage, e.g., water staining, peeling paint, spongy texture, and discoloration.
Determine the Extent of the Damage
Based on your inspection, determine the extent of the damage. If it is minor, you can make repairs yourself. However, if the damage is extensive, you may need to contact a professional water damage restoration company.
Create a Plan for Repairs
Assess any damage to the bathroom and consider whether it needs to be repaired or replaced. If a fix is possible, like a new tap or pipe, it should be done as soon as possible to stop further damage or water loss.
If necessary, a plumber or contractor should be called to fix the issue and ensure the bathroom is safe and functional. After the repairs have been made, it is essential to have the plumber or contractor double-check the area.
It may also be advantageous to have additional inspections from professionals familiar with bathrooms and plumbing to ensure that everything looks and works as it should.
Protect Your Home From a Bathroom Flood
Remember that a bathroom flood can cause a mess and serious damage. To prevent damage to both your home and your health, it’s essential to address the issue as quickly as possible.
Don’t let the situation worsen. Contact a specialist immediately so they can identify the source of the flood, properly extract the water and eliminate further damage.
Taking preventive measures can help prevent a bigger issue. Don’t delay; call in a professional to get the job done!
Did you find this article helpful? If so, please keep reading for more practical home repair tips.
