Here's What To Do if Your Bathroom Floods

What causes homeowners more grief and suffering than bathroom flooding? This all-too-common problem ruins precious belongings and causes structural damage. Worst of all, nobody expects bathroom flooding; it just happens.

But you can understand what to do if your bathroom floods. We're here to help explain several key steps you can take to address any type of flood. So you'll know what to do when disaster strikes.

King's Services is Winnipeg's trusted drain cleaning service. Our skilled professionals have years of experience handling even the worst bathroom floods. When you have excess water buildup causing you problems, you can count on us to save the day.

Handle the Water Supply

Before doing anything else, identify the source of the water flow. Is there a broken spigot, or is it an issue with your toilet? In any case, don't panic; most water fixtures have an emergency shut-off valve.

You can find these valves right below a fixture. So, if your sink begins to overflow, check underneath the cupboard and find its valve. Swiftly turn it to the right. Your toilet also has a similar valve.

If you can't find the shut-off valve, you can turn off your home's entire water supply. But this step can prove tricky, so it doesn't hurt to call an emergency plumber for assistance.

Shut Off Electricity

Electricity and water don't mix, so knowing what to do if your bathroom floods with regard to your electricity can save your life. Shut off any appliances or avoid those that have already flooded.

Once you can do so, find your home's circuit breaker and turn off the electricity for your bathroom. Outlets, lighting, sockets: they all have to power down. And, in the event that you see any sparks or fires, call for emergency help as soon as possible.

Absorb Water

Now that you can safely come into contact with your bathroom's excess water, gather towels, rags, and cloths to soak up and absorb the water. Try placing towels in strategic locations to avoid future flooding and make it easier to clean up; you can "push" the water into a more easily contained space. Leave that vacuum in the closet, however; unless you have a specialized water vacuum, you can't use it without risk of injury.

Keep laying down towels to absorb the water and avoid stepping in it if you can. If you have any buckets or mops on hand, make use of those, too; but if you have considerable amounts of water that you can't handle, get in touch with the experts.

Protect Your Possessions

Part of knowing what to do if your bathroom floods includes acknowledging that flooding can truly cause damage beyond repair. While fixing broken tiles and appliances is possible, some items are simply irreplaceable. So if you keep any valuable items in your bathroom—like mementos, books, or decor—protect them from the water.

Time is of the essence. Prolonged water exposure can lead to mold and mildew growth and perhaps structural damage. It also doesn't hurt to take photos or video of the damage so you can show your insurance company once they arrive to assess the damage.

Circulate Air

A well-placed fan or two can make the flooding recovery process much easier. Improving air circulation will help dry your floors and prevent foul odours from gathering. Open your home's windows and doors as well, as fresh air and sunlight can help with moisture buildup.

In particular, if any flooded area has hardwood floors, ensure maximum air circulation to prevent buckling and warping.

Check for Water Damage

After the dust has settled and you see no more excess standing water, inspect your bathroom and any other affected areas for water damage. You can notice the signs of water damage within an hour or two. So it's important to act quickly before the problem worsens.

Do you notice any stains or damp material on your bathroom's walls and floors? What about the area directly below the bathroom; do you see any discoloured patches on the ceiling? Unfortunately, water damage can seep into your home's structure and cause further issues.

Common Causes of Bathroom Flooding

An important part of knowing what to do if your bathroom floods includes recognizing the many causes of bathroom flooding. If you're familiar with them, you can take steps to prevent flooding from happening in the first place. 

Pipe Issues

Your home's water supply relies on a network of pipes. But did you know that these pipes can burst at a moment's notice? Corrosion, high water pressure, old parts: no matter the cause, bathroom pipes break all the time, often underneath sinks or behind walls.

If you experience more than one bad pipe, it might be time to invest in a modern, water-saving plumbing system.

Toilet Blockage

What's nastier than toilet overflows? Whatever the reason, toilet blockages can cause serious flooding. And you can actually make it worse by flushing it over and over again!

Don't panic if you have a clogged or failing toilet. Just call your local plumbing professionals, and they'll handle it in no time.

Accidental Flooding

As embarrassing as it can be, sometimes, homeowners just forget to turn the water off. Have you ever turned your bath on and then left the room, only to forget that your water was running?

If you have small kids, they might leave the sink on after washing their hands. Whatever the cause, don't stress: if you know what to do if your bathroom floods, you can prevent or mitigate water damage.

Professional Drain Cleaning Services in Winnipeg

If you need drain cleaning experts that can handle any bathroom floods, King's Services has your back! Our technicians have the training and skills needed to identify and fix any water leaks. Clogged drains, burst pipes, toilet overflows: we can handle them all at any time.

So if your bathtub drain is making a gurgling noise, or you have any other issue, call us at (431) 813-5843 today! Ask about our 24/7 service!