Take these Steps after Experiencing Bathtub Overflow Water Damage

An overflowing bathtub is one of the most common reasons for water damage here in the Twin Cities area. Maybe you started running water and then forgot about it, or encountered a problem with one of your knobs that made it impossible to shut the water off. Your children may have even been playing in the bathtub and overfilled it. Whatever the reason, there are a few steps you should take to mitigate the damage, including the following.

Stop the Flow

The first thing you must do is to stop the flow of water. Shut off your faucet, or if that isn’t possible then cut the water off at the main. Release the plug so that as much water as possible is able to flow down your drain.

Cleaning up Water Damage

Next, you will want to get rid of any remaining water that is on the floor. If you have standing water, use a bucket to scoop up as much as possible and deposit it back into your bathtub. In the event your bathtub is clogged, you will need to pour it down your sink instead.

Once you have removed all standing water, vacuum the area with a shop vac. Next, use towels, old rugs, or sheets to absorb the remainder. Remove any items that may have been soaked in the process. Place them in a garbage bag, bucket, or plastic tote and then take them outside for further inspection.

Safety in Other Rooms

An extreme overflow can result in water getting into other areas of your home as well. If this is the case, then you will want to first ensure that no electronic equipment comes into contact with standing water. Move televisions, computers and other items to a higher location, provided it is safe for you to do so. Never move or unplug electronics if doing so would require you to tread through water. Instead, turn off the breaker to those plugs and wait for professional assistance.

Many homeowners forget about the possibility of water damage in other rooms. As a result, they fail to use caution and often wind up slipping and falling. Always treat adjacent areas as though they could have water damage until you have had a chance to fully inspect them.

Importance of an Inspection

You may feel as though you have successfully cleaned up your water damage and that no further action is necessary. That’s not always the case, as there are special considerations when dealing with bathtub overflows. The biggest one is the possibility of mold damage. According to the Minnesota Department of Health, moderate temperatures, nutrients, and moisture all contribute to mold growth. As such, a flooded bathroom provides the ideal conditions for mold to thrive in.

You must also be concerned with the possibility of floor damage. This is an especially big issue in upstairs bathrooms, where a weakened floor could result in a family member falling through the ceiling.

Don’t risk your health and safety, when we can perform an inspection for you. We’ll assess the damage and let you know what steps need to be taken in order to make your home safe again. We offer emergency service 24/7, and are happy to assist those in Ham Lake and other locations near the Twin Cities.

Contact Us Today For Bathtub Overflow Water Damage

At Satin Touch, we often hear from people who have bathtub overflow damage. Rest assured we know just how to handle this problem to mitigate the negative effects on your home and family. We’ll provide you with professional, friendly service, and invite you to contact us.