Mitigating Loss After a Significant Toilet Flood

5/13/2020 (Permalink)

Toilet flooding in North Scottsdale, AZ

Mitigating Loss After a Significant Toilet Flood

One of the most common problems stemming from sewer damage in commercial plumbing is a flooded toilet. Unfortunately, when you don't catch an overflowing toilet immediately, it can flood multiple floors, causing significant property loss. Most water damage experts in North Scottsdale, AZ, will work in the following order to restore the building.

• Assess flooring
• Remove ceiling tiles
• Discard wet materials
• Clean and disinfect
• Repair damage
  

Assess Flooring
Flooring is often the most significant concern for property owners because of the expense to replace it. Depending on the material and the time spent submerged, salvaging may be possible. However, with most laminates or hardwoods, you will need to replace the damaged section.

Remove Ceiling Tiles
Many commercial facilities have drop ceilings with tiles made of gypsum. Unfortunately, gypsum stains easily, meaning you may have to replace several tiles. However, if the leak is small, you may get away with only replacing a single tile, rather than an entire section.

Discard Wet Materials
Depending on the structural elements between floors in your building, you may have insulation and ductwork to deal with. If the water damage is significant, you will probably need to replace these materials. If the water is contaminated from sewer damage, replace any contaminated materials.

Clean and Disinfect
A mitigation company will follow any cleanout with a cleanup. During this process, the company will disinfect every contaminated surface, reducing and eliminating the spread and threat of bacteria before moving onto the restoration of the property.

Repair Damage
Finally, you and the restoration crew, working in tandem with a sewage company, can repair your building. Before the restoration company finishes your project, they will ensure everything is structurally sound and in working order.
Sewer damage resulting in a significant toilet flood can lead to costly repairs. If you are in the midst of such a disaster, consider hiring a restoration and mitigation service.