Imagine the following scenario. You walk into your bathroom only to be completely surprised by having your foot submerged in a puddle of water. Ugh, talk about a nightmare! The sight and feel of a flooded bathroom invokes a lot more than the dread of having a major cleanup mission on your hands. The potential for significant damage to your walls and fixtures can leave you feeling pretty overwhelmed.
What do you do in such a situation? Let’s go through some important steps.
Shut everything off.
We’re talking about both your water supply and the electricity. First things first, you want to make sure that the water flow that is flooding your bathroom is cut off. Initially, you won’t know the source of the leak causing the flooding. So locate the shut-off valve which is likely near the toilet or under the sink. If this is an issue, you may need to resort to shutting off the main water supply to the home. Doing so will minimize the extent of water damage being caused by the flooding.
As mentioned, the power should be cut too. It goes without saying that water and electricity don’t mix. By locating your circuit breaker and switching off the power to the bathroom, you can protect yourself from any electrical shocks or fires. This is an especially vital step if the water level has risen to the point it has come into contact with your power outlets. Be sure to keep all family members and pets away from the bathroom to avoid any electrocutions.
Remove as much water as you can.
Clearly, the next step is to de-flood your bathroom. Now that you’ve safeguarded the room, it’s time to get rid of or absorb as much standing water as possible. Gather as many towels, rags and cloths as you can to do a quick absorption job. Grab your mops and buckets to scoop up and remove any water that can’t be absorbed.
If you happen to have a wet/dry vacuum, you’re in luck. Use it to remove all the remaining water to prevent it from seeping into your walls and flooring. Remember that once the water has been removed, there is still some drying that should be done. Grab your fans, turn them on full blast and direct them towards the most vulnerable areas of your bathroom. As well, open up the windows to help circulate the air. This step will go a long way in preventing mould growth.
Locate the source and check for damage.
Okay, now what is responsible for your flooded bathroom? Was it a leaky or overflowing toilet? Has a pipe burst or is there a broken spigot? Naturally, discovering the root cause of the problem will be necessary in order to make the appropriate repairs. You’ll also have to look out for any damage that may also require a repair job. Look for damage to the tiles, walls, cabinets and fixtures. Be sure to document any visible damage with photos so that you can begin the process of your insurance claim.
Then, of course, it will be important to call in some professional help! For any and all of your plumbing repair needs, please don’t hesitate to give your friends at 2 Bro’s Plumbing a call at 905-556-0790. You may also email us at admin@2brosplumbing.ca or even request a free quote on our Contact page!
