A Toilet Overflow Causes Water Damage -Fredrick, MD

Most people don't consider water damage from toilet malfunctions until it happens to them. Overflowing toilets can cause significant damage, destroying homes and rendering property unsafe.

Damage From Toilet Overflows

Depending on the layout of the home and the location of the bathroom, toilet overflows can cause a wide range of damage. On a slab foundation, an overflow in the powder room will most likely cause less damage than one in the master bedroom on the second floor. Overflowing toilet water can cause damage to:

• Baseboards and flooring
• Subfloors \Drywall \Electrical wiring
• Ceilings of lower levels
• Trim \Cabinets
• Carpeting

Essentially, a toilet overflow can damage any material in the home that it comes into contact with. Water is extremely destructive, especially when it goes unnoticed for an extended period. Not only will it damage the materials on its own, but it can also cause mold and mildew growth in the home if left untreated.

Special Consideration for Toilet Overflows

Some water damage situations, such as those caused by a burst pipe or a leaking water heater, are straightforward. Water damage caused by a toilet leak is less severe. Toilets have clean water sources, such as the supply line, and dirty water sources, such as a backup. When a toilet is the source of water damage, it is critical to determine where the water came from to determine the type of water being mitigated. Water quality is classified into three categories by water restoration professionals:

• Category 1

Also called "clean water," category 1 water is considered sanitary and doesn’t pose a health risk on its own. Typical sources of clean water would be supply lines.

• Category 2

Category 2 water is sometimes called grey water. This is water that may contain contaminants that could cause illness. A common source of grey water would be the drain from a washing machine or dishwasher.

• Category 3

Black water is category three water. This water is considered grossly contaminated and poses a great risk to human health. A toilet backup from the sewer line would be considered "black water."

What to Do if Your Toilet Overflows

Determine the source of the water: is it coming from the supply line or tank, or is it backing up from the toilet?

Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to file a claim and hire a professional mitigation company to begin cleanup.

If the water is clean, do whatever is necessary to stop the flow before beginning the drying process.

Wait for a professional if the water is black. Black water is extremely dangerous and should only be handled by a trained professional who is wearing the proper personal protective equipment.

Don't assume there isn't any damage because you can't see it with your naked eye. Water seeps into crevices and cracks, causing damage that is not visible. Hire a professional to take moisture readings to ensure there aren't any.

Toilet overflows can range from a minor annoyance to a major issue, depending on the amount and source of the water. Water damage of any kind is a serious problem, and the possibility of contaminated water from a toilet makes it even more important to call Restoration 1 of Frederick when overflows occur.