02 Jan The Risks That Come with Damage From an Overflowing Toilet
Overflowing toilets are something that most homeowners will have to deal with at one time or another. An overflowing toilet can be a very unpleasant experience. It can also pose a risk to your health and cause water damage in other areas of your home.
You can avoid extensive damage by taking quick action. Calling a professional Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company is strongly advisable.
The Risks of a Toilet Overflow
Toilet overflows are most commonly caused by a clogged pipe, a full or partial septic tank, and sewage system problems. Whatever causes your toilet overflow, there are dangers and you should take immediate action. These are only three potential dangers associated with toilet and sewage overflows.
Harmful Bacteria
Sewage can contain harmful microorganisms such as bacteria, protozoa and viruses. It can cause gastroenteritis if you or your family come in contact with sewage water and contaminated surfaces. When dealing with a toilet backup, most professional Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Companies will tell you, it is important to protect people’s health.
If you want to clean up overflowing water , make sure you wear protective clothing. This generally includes rubber gloves and boots. If you are unsure about the quality of your water supply, don’t use it.
Mold
Mold thrives on damp surfaces that are moist and provide organic matter for growth. Once it has established itself in the toilet overflow water, then it can spread to wood and drywall as well as wallpapers and other porous surfaces. Most homeowners respond by cleaning up the mess and thoroughly mopping the bathroom floors.
Water can easily get into the baseboards, cracks, and crevices surrounding tubs, showers or vanities. Mold can cause respiratory problems, skin irritations and even mycotoxin poisoning. It’s important to call a water damage restoration firm to help you identify and remove mold from all places, even hidden ones.
Structural damage
A toilet overflow, similar to all flooding events can cause serious structural damage to your house, especially if it’s on an upper floor. After the initial water removal and cleanup is complete, you may discover water damage:
- Tiles from the bathtub and shower
- Cabinets
- Ceilings and walls in rooms at lower levels
- Door trims
- Drywall
- Electrical wiring
- Flooring
- You can’t insulate areas like under cabinets.
A toilet overflow can cause damage that is minor or major, depending on how much water was used. It might surprise you to know that the work required for the toilet on the upper floor is usually less than the one on the lower.
A professional Long Beach Water Damage Restoration Company will ensure that all moisture and water damage are detected and treated before further structural damage can occur.
Preventing Future Toilet Overflows
Multiple toilet overflows can be caused by clogged pipes or faulty equipment. It is important to determine what caused the most recent flooding. To avoid future overflow problems:
- Watch what you flush down your toilets. Toilets can be powerful plumbing devices, but they have their limits. Avoid clogging your toilets by not flushing cat litter, wet wipes or paper towels.
- Do not use plush toilet paper It may feel soft, but it can be dangerous to your plumbing. Most plumbing systems won’t be able to break down thick toilet paper over time. This can cause serious clogs.
- Look out for signs that your toilet needs repair – Are there cracks or marks on the toilet? Is the flapper, chain and float ball in good condition? Are there unusual sounds coming from the toilet when it is flushed?
- Avoid chemical drain cleaners. Store-bought drain cleaners contain corrosive chemicals which break down clogs. These chemicals can also be dangerous to your pipes.
- Repair faulty toilets quickly – Address a running toilet immediately. This is a sign that the toilet tank is having problems. It can lead to more serious issues.