When you think bathroom floods, does your mind picture a bunch of bacteria? You’re not the only one. Bathrooms house plenty of unsanitary components, and if clogs back up your sinks and showers, they can turn into a smelly and bacteria-filled mess.
When dealing with water, time is always of the essence. The sooner you contact a professional for water damage cleanup, the faster you can get back to normal.
If you’re not sure what to do in the event of your bathroom flooding, keep reading. Below, we’ll unpack each step of minimizing water damage to ensure you and your loved ones remain safe.
6 Steps to Minimize Flooded Bathroom Water Damage
1. Shut off the water source
The most critical step in this guide is to locate the source of water damage. As much as you’d like first to grab towels, a mop, or a plunger—don’t. Find the source of the water and shut it off. Sinks and toilets (as well as dishwashers and washing machines) have knobs. Turn to the right to shut off the water.
If you’re unable to locate the valve, immediately get in touch with a professional. Remember, the most effective way to prevent substantial damage is to stop the flow of water before doing anything else.
2. Shut off electricity
The next thing you should do is eliminate the risk of electrocution. Go to your breaker box (usually located in the garage, utility closet, or on the exterior of your home) and turn off all lighting and socket circuits.
If unable to find your circuit breaker panel, wait for a professional electrician. Entering a water-filled area with live outlets and light fixtures is very dangerous.
3. Use towels to absorb water
After turning off the water and the electricity, it’s safe to reenter the bathroom and start eliminating excess water. The best way to do this is with a shop vacuum and absorbent towels. Keep in mind that bathroom tiles are slippery when wet. To prevent any slips, falls, or injuries, wear shoes with good traction.
More tips to keep in mind:
- Try not to stand in puddles of water
- Use fans and open windows to promote drying
- Wear gloves, a mask, and closed-toe shoes
**Do not use a traditional vacuum instead of a shop vacuum cleaner. You will risk electric shock.
4. Circulate the air
When you have a flooded bathroom, you need to keep the air moving. Without ventilation, you risk the possibility of mold, mildew, and other pathogens. Use pedestal fans and open windows to create a steady flow of air. If using extension cords, make sure they’re off the floor and away from all water.
It’s also important to keep an eye on humidity. If you cannot reduce the amount of moisture in the air, you may want to purchase a dehumidifier.
5. Protect your property
Flooded bathrooms tend to create huge messes. Minimize the spread of potentially contaminated items. If materials need to drain or dry out, place them in the bathtub. You also should remove anything (tissue boxes, magazines, etc.) from the floor that could stain or bleed color.
Before any professionals come to service your property, document as much as possible. Notes, pictures, and videos will go a long way when filing your insurance claim.
6. Fix it Quick
We said it before, and we’ll say it again: time is always of the essence when dealing with water. Despite the panic or stress you feel, you can prevent excessive damage by acting with a sense of urgency.
Most Common Causes of Bathroom Floods
Accidents happen. No one knows that better than we do. When pipes burst, bathtubs overflow, or appliances leak, you’re left with a huge mess. Discover the most common causes of burst pipes and how to prevent them from wreaking havoc on your home.
Sewage Backups
If a pipeline ruptures or freezes and cracks, excess water can flood the interior of your home. Storm flooding may lead to main sewer backups that fill the bathroom with sewage. Another thing that impacts your plumbing system is tree roots.
Clogged Plumbing
Not sure what causes bathroom clogs? Review the list of items you should never put down the drain:
- Paper products
- Q-tips
- Cotton balls
- Cotton pads
- Paper towels
- Tissues
- Hygiene products
- Hair
- Baby wipes
- Diapers
- Dental floss
- Medication
- Cigarette butts
- Cat litter
- Gum
- Cooking grease
- Food
Toilet Overflows
Toilet overflows can suddenly turn your bathroom into a lazy river. They’re most often caused by clogs or backed-up drains.
Get Help for Bathroom Flood Damage With DRIRITE®
When the pipes in your home or business bathroom malfunction and create a flood, contact the team of technicians at DRIRITE®. We provide fast and convenient burst pipe and water damage repair services throughout the Tampa Bay area. We’re a reputable restoration company with experience reviving properties after flood damage, clogged pipes, leaking faucets, and many more.
Our water mitigation and restoration processes are designed to keep you worry-free. We’ll contact your insurance company and revive your property quickly and efficiently.
Do you have a water damage emergency? Call DRIRITE® at (813) 635-0303 for 24-hour emergency services.
Chief Executive Officer
Mike Campbell is a highly experienced professional specializing in structural drying, mold remediation, and environmental consulting. With certifications such as OSHA HAZWOPER, council-certified microbial remediator, and state of Florida licensed mold remediator, he offers tailored solutions to clients at DriRite. With specialized training from the IICRC, Mike is equipped with advanced skills in categories such as applied structural drying, commercial drying, and water damage restoration. This expertise allows him to deliver comprehensive and effective solutions to water-related issues. His dedication to providing exceptional service and expertise makes him a valuable resource in the field.
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