4 Tips For Dealing With an Overflowing Toilet

12/10/2019 (Permalink)

An overflowing toilet can be an annoyance, or it can be a sign of sewer damage

4 Tips For Dealing With an Overflowing Toilet

An overflowing toilet can be an annoyance, or it can be a sign of sewer damage. From clogs to broken pipes, there are a variety of reasons why water might be backing up in your toilet. If you are having this problem in your Kansas City, MO, home, keep the following tips in mind.

1. Stop the Water Source

If the water stops overflowing when you do not flush the toilet, then you might be dealing with a simple clog. However, if it keeps filling up even when you aren’t using it, there might be a more serious problem. In this case, it can be helpful to limit water usage and turn off appliances that could contribute to water backup.

2. Wear Protective Clothing

A flooded toilet often contains category 3 or black water. It can carry significant amounts of bacteria and sewage. Because this can be hazardous to your health, you should avoid the water if you can. If you need to be around it, be sure to wear gloves and other protective gear.

3. Set Aside Wet Items

If your home has sewer damage, you will need to report it to your insurance company who will send an adjuster to inspect your house. If any items have been damaged, you should set these aside as evidence of the damage. Move any items that have not been affected to a dry location.

4. Contain the Area

If the water has not stopped rising, you should block off the bathroom with boards, tarps or other waterproof materials. This will keep the water from spreading to other areas and causing more damage. A sewage company can help with this step.
Because sewer damage often involves contaminated water, it is not recommended that you clean it on your own. Instead, hire a cleanup and restoration company to remove the water and sanitize any affected areas. They can also make needed repairs and salvage damaged belongings.