Share:

An overflowing toilet is not only messy and inconvenient—but can also cause serious problems for your flooring. Time is of the essence if you want to avoid long-lasting water damage. Therefore, the guide below explores crucial steps to take while waiting for a plumber

What to Do During a Plumbing Emergency

1. Turn Off the Water

First, make sure the bathroom is safe to enter. If you suspect the water has been electrified by open wiring, get away immediately, as it can send a fatal shock. If everything looks safe, you’ll want to prevent more water from leaking out. Behind the toilet will be a water supply valve. It’s usually mounted on the wall and will have a pipe connected to the toilet. Turn the valve counterclockwise to close it. If you do and the water doesn’t stop, it means something more serious is going on. If you haven’t already, call a plumber for emergency assistance.

2. Soak Up the Water

Once the water is off, you’ll want to remove as much standing water as possible. Pooling water can seep into flooring and beneath baseboards, leading to costly water damage, mold growth, and more. Use towels, or even better, a wet vacuum to remove all standing water from the room. Pick up rugs and any other floor covers that water may be trapped under.

3. Air Dry

plumberTowels and the wet vacuum won’t be able to completely remove the water. You’ll want to air dry as best as you can, so open windows and plug in fans. If you have an overhead fan in the bathroom, turn it on. Keeping the window open will help reduce the humidity in the bathroom and prevent moisture from forming due to the heat. You can use a hair dryer or other heating device to dry flooring directly around the toilet base—the area that is likely the most saturated and susceptible to damage.

 

The best way to deal with a flood is to call a plumber. Don’s Plumbing has served Canyon Lake, TX, for over 30 years. They handle everything from toilet repair and drain cleaning to water heater repair and water filtration installation—all of which you can explore further on their website. To schedule a plumber, call (830) 964-4477 today.

tracking