How To Handle Water Damage From A Toilet Overflow

Whether it is a malfunctioned pipe or a clog in a bowl, a toilet overflow can cause massive destruction and inconvenience in a home, especially if the water contains waste or contaminants.

There is no need to panic, yet it is important to take necessary actions immediately to prevent further damage and danger to your home and health.

What To Do If My Toilet Overflows

1. Turn Off The Water

The first thing you have to do to lessen the potential for more severe damage is to stop the water from overflowing. Look for a shut-off valve, which is usually located underneath the toilet tank and near the floor and turn off the valve. If the valve is not available on the supply line, you can stop the flow of the water by pulling up the float inside your toilet tank.


Once the flow of the water stops, drain the water from the toilet bowl completely and slowly release the float. However, if there the water continues to overflow, you may need to turn off the main water supply line and consider that the problem may be a backup from either the main sewer line or a drain pipe.

2. Use A Plunger To Remove The Clog

In most cases, a toilet clog occurs in a toilet bowl or trap. A plunger is the most effective tool in fixing a clogged toilet. The up and down movement of a plunger can create pressure that forces the clog to get out of the bowl and pass through the trap to go into the drain pipe.


Avoid using a basic plunger because it might lack the seal necessary in producing the required pressure. Instead, use a bell plunger that can create a more suitable seal for a toilet bowl. Furthermore, apply some layer of petroleum jelly to the plunger to help it create more pressure.


Still, if the water continues to overflow even using a plunger, you should stop plunging. Remember that a plunger works efficiently only in clearing out a clogged drainpipe or toilet bowl. Other than that, a plunger may just make a bigger mess.

3. Use An Auger or A Drain Snake

If using a plunger did not unclog your toilet, you should consider using an auger or a drain snake. Both of them work similarly. Toilet augers are designed to work accordingly with the shape of the toilet and the s-shaped trap. They crawl through the drain pipe and snag the clog. However, in some cases, an auger can break the clog. The clog then directs to the sewer from the toilet.

4. Remove Excess Water And Waste

In the event of a toilet overflow, acting fast is crucial. The longer water and waste sit on the floor the more damage they can cause. Water can seep through the surrounding cabinets and walls and allow bacteria to flourish.

Use a wet/dry shop vac to remove standing water and waste. You can also towels and blankets to remove water. Just make sure to wash them properly after use.

4. Call a professional plumber to fix the problem.

5. Call a professional water damage restoration company to safely and thoroughly clean toilet water damage.

Is Toilet Water Dangerous

Potentially. The water from a toilet overflow may contain microbial or contaminants that can be harmful to you. If the water involved contains some amount of urine, it may be somewhat contaminated. On the other hand, if the water has some solid waste, the contains a significant level of contaminants and that you should wear proper protective gear when attempting to clean up the damage.

How To Prevent Future Toilet Overflows

The most effective way of preventing toilet overflows is the proper use of your toilet. Avoid flushing things like flushable wipes, paper towels, tissue, fabric, soap and sanitary products in your toilet bowl. Do not flush fatty and oily liquids like lotion and cream down your toilet. Oils and fats can accumulate in your drain pipe and eventually cause a blockage.

Furthermore, make sure to perform regular maintenance of your toilet. Check the valves, chains, fill and other components of your toilet to ensure that they are in good condition.

Need Help With Water Damage From A Toilet Overflow?

In the event of a toilet overflow, it is necessary to take immediate action. Even it is possible for you to clean up the damage on your own, at times, it is best to leave it to professionals. The water may contain contaminants that can pose harm to you and your family. The damage may require a safe and thorough cleanup procedure.


The experts at Superior Restoration have proper sanitation procedures and equipment to ensure that your home is back to its original condition and free from any harmful bacteria. Contact our professionals and get a free quote today.