Though your initial reaction might be panic when you find a pool of water in your bathroom, it’s essential to stay calm to address the situation. Here’s what you can do to safely minimize water damage.

What to Do When Your Bathroom Floods

1. Turn off the Electricity

Never go inside the bathroom if you see any wet electronic devices, smell gas, or notice sparks. Go outside and call for emergency response services instead. Even if you don’t observe any electrocution risks, turn off the electricity in the bathroom before you enter. Even minor flooding carries the threat of electrocution. If you don’t know where your circuit breaker or main breaker is located, it’s better to wait for assistance before you go into the bathroom.

2. Turn off the Water Supply

Turn off your water supply before grabbing towels or getting a bucket. If you know the specific source of the flooding, you can try shutting off the individual valve. Otherwise, shut off the main valve to mitigate water damage. If the water leak is coming from the sink or toilet, the knob will likely be near its respective pipe. Move around your bathroom with extra care to avoid slipping on the wet floor.

3. Dry Your Bathroom as Fast as Possible

Take out all soaked objects to an area where they can dry. Thoroughly wipe any surface that got wet, or you might soon find yourself dealing with mold. To encourage faster drying, improve the airflow inside your bathroom. Turn on the bathroom exhaust fan, and open the window, drawers, and cabinets. However, don’t plug anything into the sockets to avoid electrocution. 

Soak up as much water as you can from your bathroom floor with absorbent materials like towels, mops, and sponges. Dry your drawers and cabinets completely since the wood can easily acquire water damage and is costly to replace.

If you need professional help after a bathroom flood to remove the effects of water damage from your home, turn to Ohana Environmental Construction in Honolulu, HI. With over 35 years of experience, this environmental abatement company offers expert mold remediation and hazardous waste management. Call them today at (808) 836-6955 to make an appointment, or find out more about their services on their website.