3 Steps for Dealing With an Overflowing Toilet

1/18/2018 (Permalink)

Toilets: everyone uses them, and if you are a building manager or just work in an office, you will probably encounter an overflowing toilet at some point. Overflowing toilets in Normandale Lake District, MN, can be caused by a pipe blockage or sewer damage. A flooded toilet is no fun to deal with, but these three steps can help you take care of the mess.

1. Stop the Flow of Water

If you have a flooded toilet, the first step is to stop the flow of water. There are two easy ways to stop water from continuing to flow into your toilet bowl:

• Use the shutoff valve near the base of the toilet, turning until the water shuts off.
• Open the toilet’s tank and rig the float into a position that stops water from filling the tank.

It is important to stop toilet water overflowing, especially if the water is not clean. Water with any waste or contamination can be hazardous to your health.

2. Clean Up the Overflow

Using protective gear such as rubber gloves, clean up the water that has overflowed. Remember that the water may be hazardous, so take precautions to prevent direct contact with the water. Towels used for cleanup should be thoroughly sanitized with bleach, and the entire area should be disinfected. If the overflow is severe, a water restoration company can ensure thorough cleanup.

3. Stop the Problem

If the toilet overflow is due to a blockage in your pipe, you may be able to clear it with a toilet or sink plunger. If that does not work, or if the toilet overflowed without apparent cause, you may want to contact the sewage company to ensure the overflow is not caused by sewer damage. You can also call a professional plumber to take care of stubborn blockages in your pipes.

If the flooded toilet has caused water to reach the walls, was caused by sewer damage, or included water with waste or contamination, a professional water restoration team can ensure that everyone in the building remains safe and healthy from any hazards caused by the overflow.