Many homeowners consider toilet overflows major inconveniences that are also unpleasant to clean up. What they might not realize, though, is just how serious the situation can be. First, water damage from toilet malfunctions can be extensive. Even worse, the micro-organic contaminants that thrive in sewage water can make people ill and lead to significant mold damage.
A toilet overflow remediation team can manage any overflowing toilet issues and prevent them from becoming more dangerous to your home or family. When you hire Central Florida Restoration Solutions for toilet overflow remediation, you can rest easy knowing your home is thoroughly decontaminated and restored to its previous safe environment.
Property Damage From Toilet Overflows
Did you know there are three different water categories and that each one poses distinct risks? Relatively harmless, “clean water” includes rain, condensation, and the water that leaks from your home’s piping. The slightly dirty water that comes from your washing machine, dishwasher, and a clean toilet is referred to as “gray water” and isn’t usually hazardous.
“Black water,” on the other hand, includes sewage and floodwaters from nearby ponds, lakes, and rivers that typically contain bacteria, waste, and other contaminants that, if not handled properly, can cause severe health problems.
Depending on your Central Florida home’s layout, an overflowing toilet can cause varying degrees of damage, including to:
- Baseboards and trim
- Flooring and subfloors
- Drywall
- Electrical wiring
- Lower level ceilings
- Cabinets
- Carpeting
Left untreated, water damage from an overflowing toilet can cause mold and mildew to grow in your home, usually within 24 to 48 hours after the overflow occurs.
What To Do If Your Toilet Overflows
Toilet overflows range from mild inconveniences to significant problems. Your threat level depends on the amount of and source of the water. By the time a toilet overflows, there’s usually some considerable problem within your home’s sewer or water line. In addition to calling your plumber, it’s a good idea to call in a professional restoration company that can help determine if your home has sustained water or mold damage.
While waiting for the restoration crew to arrive, you can take steps that help mitigate how much damage results from the toilet overflow.
- Determine the water’s source: Is it coming from the supply line or tank, or is the toilet backing up?
- Contact your insurance agent or company: The sooner you start a claim, the sooner you can bring in a professional water and mold damage mitigation company to begin cleanup.
- Address clean water damage: If the water is uncontaminated, take the steps necessary to stop the flow and then begin drying wet articles and surfaces.
- Avoid black water: It is extremely hazardous and should only be handled by a professional wearing the appropriate personal protective equipment.
Lastly, don’t assume there’s no water or mold damage just because you can’t see it with your naked eye. Water can seep into minuscule cracks and crevices and cracks and cause hidden destruction in places where only the professionals know to look.
Mold Issues Caused By a Toilet Overflow
Black water damage resulting from a toilet overflow might put a dent in your wallet, but it can be even more costly to your health. Water that contains sewage and other contaminants is so dangerous because it has:
- Toxic gases: Sewage often contains potentially deadly gases like carbon monoxide, methane, nitrous oxide, and chlorine.
- Dangerous microorganisms: Sewage contamination has been behind many pandemics, including cholera and typhoid. Removing sewage-contaminated water from your home after a toilet overflow is essential to protecting your health.
- Chemicals: The EPA consistently reminds people to “flush responsibly!” The cleansers, beauty products, medicine, and other products many people flush down their toilets can build up or get caught in their home’s pipes. When you have a toilet overflow, the chemicals these products contain can make their way back into your home.
Along with transmitting respiratory ailments and digestive illnesses like E-coli, black water in your Central Florida home can also result in various forms of toxic mold. While mold damage professionals are generally better equipped to locate mold in your home, you can do visual mold and mildew inspections on your own.
It’s not unusual for a water incident like a toilet overflow to reveal previous long-term mold problems you didn’t know were lurking in your house. For instance, you might find mold in the attic or under floors that began growing long ago but is only now coming to light.
As some molds are highly toxic to humans, you should think twice about handling or removing them. If you do discover a significant mold issue, leave the area, shut down any airflow to prevent spores from spreading, and call in the pros. Their specialized equipment can clear black water damage safely without causing harm to the health of you, your family, and your pets.
Who to Call For Mold Remediation After a Toilet Overflow
If you’re currently experiencing water or mold damage problems from a toilet overflow, Central Florida Restoration Solutions is a leading expert in black water removal and mold remediation services. For more than 25 years, we’ve delivered fast and considerate home restoration services for homeowners throughout Central Florida. To learn more about all the services we offer or to schedule mold damage remediation services, contact us online today or call or text us at 407-988-6101.
