What To Do After Your Toilet Overflows

1/4/2022 (Permalink)

When a toilet becomes blocked, it can usually be taken care of with a plunger. However, when a flooded toilet is the result of sewer damage, the situation can quickly get out of control.

If you experience a toilet overflow that causes sewer water to flood your bathroom or worse, multiple rooms, do not attempt to clean it up yourself. Raw sewage contains bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens that pose a serious threat to humans and animals. If a sewer backs up into your home, follow these basic steps to handle the situation quickly and safely:

1. Avoid All Contact With the Water

You might be tempted to try to move possessions that have already come in contact with the sewer water, but don’t. The most important thing is keeping you and your family safe and that means avoiding all contact with the water.

2. Shut Off Electricity and Gas If Necessary

If sewer water comes in contact with electrical outlets or gas appliances, it can create a hazardous situation. Shut off your electricity and contact your gas company to turn off the gas until the situation is dealt with.

3. Contact Your Utility Company

The location of the sewer damage determines who is responsible for repairs. Contact your sewage company to alert them to the situation and find out what they know. If it turns out the problem is on your property, you may be responsible for hiring a plumber to fix it.

4. Call a Water Damage Mitigation Specialist

Cleaning up sewage requires protective clothing, specialized equipment, and knowledge about how to avoid spreading contamination to other parts of your property. SERVPRO of Metairie is an experienced water damage and mitigation company that has all of these things and can return your home to normal quickly and efficiently.