24/7 Emergency Service
What to Do When Your Toilet Overflows at Work
2/24/2022 (Permalink)
Call SERVPRO®, a water damage restoration company specializing in commercial sewage backup cleanup services.
Toilet overflow at a business is a Category 3 water loss, with damage sometimes reaching beyond the scope of the bathroom. This water is known as black water damage and is filled with contaminants from urine and fecal matter. It is vital to block off the area until it is cleaned professionally. Review the below steps to help reduce the time and money it will take to return your property to its pre loss condition. More damage will occur the longer that water is left sitting.
- Stop flushing, use a plunger.
If pipes are clogged, flushing again will increase issues and not alleviate them. Be aware of your surroundings and perform this in the safest manner possible.
- Turn off the water.
If water is overflowing already, spreading all over the floor, turn off the water to the toilet. The shut off valve is usually located on the wall near the base of the toilet, below the tank.
- Inspect the water damaged area.
Water travels, and depending on the extent of the leak, damage may not be isolated to the bathroom. Water travels farther than you think. You will need to call in a professional to ascertain the extent of damages.
- Close the Bathroom with Safety Signs.
Being safe is the most important. Safety signs hung up around the affected areas are a good way to notify others the bathroom is off limits. Provide signs to guide people to an alternate restroom until the issue at hand is resolved.
- Call your insurance company.
Reach out to your insurance agent about what options are available to you. Sometimes damage will go beyond the bathroom. Your insurance will assist greatly with the appropriate next steps.
- Call a water damage restoration company specializing in sewage backup cleanup services.
Hire a professional, certified remediation company to safely return your home to its preloss condition. Black water contains numerous pathogens which can carry bacteria, parasites, and viruses. Most of what is touched by this water remains unsalvageable. Cleanup doesn’t stop at waste and water; a professional restoration company will sanitize the area before conducting repairs. SERVPRO® of SW Bakersfield is here 24/7 - (661) 326-8422.