Toilet Overflow Issues – Oh No! Did you know that most toilet bowls are designed to hold all the water in the tank without spilling over? Even so, toilet overflow is actually a common problem. Watching the water in your toilet bowl continue to rise can be disconcerting, dreadful, and even disgusting. If you’re one of the unlucky ones having to deal with overflowing water all over your bathroom floor, you need to address the problem immediately, before the matter becomes more troublesome or even hazardous. Water leaking from a toilet can lead to damage to the floor, subfloor, and nearby cabinets—and possibly leak through ceilings and walls—not to mention injuries from slips and falls. Reasons Why a Toilet Overflows A clog is the most common reason for toilet overflow issues. The best way to avoid clogs is to never attempt to flush any object down the toilet that is not intended to be flushed, such as disposable diapers or feminine hygiene products. Take care to keep the lid down when the toilet is not in use to prevent items from falling in by accident or to prevent toddlers from dropping their favorite stuffed animal in the water. In some instances, you can remedy a clog yourself by using a liquid drain opener and a plunger. If plunging the toilet doesn’t help, or if you think faulty plumbing is the cause, contact a professional plumber. A plumber will use specialized equipment such as a snake to reach clogs that are further down in the plumbing system. How to Clean Up an Overflowing Toilet If the overflow requires only minimal cleanup, be sure to wear gloves to stay sanitary and mop up water right away with soap and disinfectant. Wash soiled clothing and towels in hot water to thoroughly disinfect them. A more serious overflow, especially one resulting from a sewage backup requires professional cleanup. And, improperly treated or reoccurring water damage can also cause a buildup of mold or mildew, potentially causing serious respiratory problems. Call a water damage restoration and repair specialist, as they will have the proper equipment and products to handle all cleanup and sanitization, and also address any water damage to your floors, subfloors, and walls caused by the overflow. As a preventative measure, keep your toilet sanitary and clog-free with regular cleanings to ward off disease-causing bacteria and germs. It’s helpful to have your septic tank cleaned every eight to ten years, too, as sewer line back-ups can result in toilet backup and overflow. When choosing a water damage restoration specialist, make sure you hire qualified, IICRC-certified professionals. The experts at the DC-area Water Damage Team possess the skills, experience, and credentials you need to get the job done right. With 24-hour service from Pennsylvania to the Baltimore and Washington, DC, areas, to Virginia and North Carolina, they are available to get started on your water damage cleanup request in 60 minutes or less. Call the Water Damage Team today at 877-503-8782 for a free estimate.