5 Steps for Cleaning After a Toilet Overflow

3/8/2022 (Permalink)

Follow these steps if you experience a Toilet Overflow. If you have more questions, just contact us.

A toilet overflow, especially in case of sewer damage, can be one of the worst situations your Rocky Mount, NC, home can sustain. It will not only potentially cause water damage, but the added sewage adds another layer of urgency to the situation. It'll be extremely unsanitary, so you need to make sure you handle it in the safest, most efficient way possible.

Once you've stopped the flooded toilet from overflowing and turned off the water, take these steps for cleanup. 

Steps To Cleanup After a Toilet Overflow

1. Turn Off the Electricity

If there are any electronics or appliances in the flooded area, you must turn off the electricity before stepping in there. Water can carry an electric charge. If you can't safely navigate to the circuit breaker, you'll need to call a professional to do it before you can start cleaning. Depending on the cause of the backup, you may also need to notify the sewage company.

2. Extract Standing Water

You'll need to extract all of the standing water. A wet/dry vacuum is typically the safest, quickest and most efficient way to remove water and smaller debris.

3. Remove Contents

Once the standing water is gone, as many of the contents as possible must be removed from the area. Many of the items that have sewer damage won't be salvageable. Anything that can be thoroughly cleaned, sanitized and dried within 48 hours should be salvageable. Carpet usually has to be replaced. Water-soaked drywall often has to be cut out above the water line and replaced. Depending on the severity, you may need the services of water damage restoration professionals.

4. Wash and Sanitize Area Thoroughly

Thoroughly wash and sanitize the affected area. Remember to clean smaller spaces, walls and anything else that came in contact with the contaminated water.

5. Dry

Finally, you must completely dry the area. You can do this by opening windows and doors, turning on the heat and running dehumidifiers and fans.

Discovering a flooded toilet resulting from sewer damage can be overwhelming, leaving you questioning the next steps. Make sure you begin the cleanup process immediately to salvage as much as possible.