How To Clean A Flooded Bathroom

• What causes flooding in a bathroom?
  • Your toilet is blocked
  • There is a blocked pipe
  • A pipe has burst
  • Sewage has backed up into your property
• The impacts of a flooded bathroom
• What to do when your bathroom floods
• Why you should not clean up a flooded bathroom yourself
• Get in touch

Whether it was simply caused by a tap that was left on or a more serious sewage backup, a flooded bathroom can cause major damage to your property and put people’s health at risk. You must bring in professional cleaners as soon as possible to restore the affected area and make your home safe.  

At ICE Cleaning, we offer a comprehensive flood restoration service. Our specialist technicians can quickly make your property dry and clean, no matter the cause of the flooding. They are available nationwide, around the clock, 365 days a year. They can be on site in several hours in an emergency.

Keep reading to find out what to do when your bathroom floods and how to clean it up.

What causes flooding in a bathroom?

Your toilet is blocked

When pipes between the toilet and main drain lines get clogged, water can’t go down the pipe. You might assume flushing the toilet will get rid of the blockage, but this just results in water filling the toilet and overflowing.

There is a blocked pipe

Blockages building up can stop water going down the drain and lead to the shower, bath, and sink overflowing.

A pipe has burst

Pinhole leaks and frozen pipes that have burst can quickly cause a flood, especially given how many pipes come into the sink, toilet, bath, and shower.

Sewage has backed up into your property

There are lots of reasons why wastewater could be backing up in your home through toilets, sinks, and drains, including storm flooding, clogs, and blockages.

The impacts of a flooded bathroom

One of the most serious effects of flooding is structural damage. Water can quick be absorbed into flooring, walls, cabinets, and furniture. If the water is not removed and the room dried out quickly enough you could be facing problems like:

• Wood framing behind walls rotting
• Wood and laminate floors and furniture deteriorating
• Flooring becoming spongey
• Ceiling joists underneath the affected room weakening and the ceiling potentially collapsing

Water damage can go on to cause mould to grow. Mould is dangerous to be exposed to and could trigger an allergic reaction, like sneezing and skin rashes. Young children, elderly people, and people with health conditions and weakened immune systems may experience more serious effects.

Mould can start growing within 24 to 48 hours so the room must be dried out immediately to prevent it. If your drywall is damp, mould can also start growing inside your walls. This mould is hard to find and treat, and must be left to professionals to remove.

Depending on the kind of water that has flooded your bathroom, you could be dealing with a serious health hazard, as well. Sewage backups are full of harmful microorganisms including bacteria and viruses which put you at high risk of disease and infection.

Blackwater, as it is also known, can produce methane gas which is very flammable, too. You must not clean up sewage spills yourself and should instead contact professional cleaners.

A quick, thorough response is essential to minimising the damage left by a flood, keeping the residents of the property safe, and getting your bathroom back to working order.

What to do when your bathroom floods

First, identify what is causing the flood and stop it, like shutting off the water. Make sure you check all the pipes, valves, fittings, and damp areas to find the source of the flood as it might not be obvious.

Then, turn off the electricity as there could be a risk of electrocution. Make sure outlets are not exposed to standing water and unplug any electrical appliances like hair dryers or space heaters.

Next, if possible and safe to do so, repair the cause of the problem, like temporarily sealing a leaking pipe. Otherwise, contact plumbing professionals to diagnose and fix the issue.

Notify your insurance that there has been a flood in your home. Take pictures of the full extent of the water damage to help with your claim.

Finally, contact flood damage clean up professionals. They will know how best to clean up a flooded bathroom, and can quickly remove the standing water, dry out and deep clean the affected area, and carry out water damage restoration. You can find more advice on repairing your property here.

Why you should not clean up a flooded bathroom yourself

Although a bathroom flood may seem simple to deal with, it is recommended you always leave it to professional cleaners. They will have the specialist equipment, including dehumidifiers and air movers, to quickly get rid of any water and excess moisture that can cause serious damage.

Professionals can give you peace of mind that the affected area is safe again by deep cleaning with highly effective products and tools. They will also wear full personal protective equipment (PPE) to keep themselves safe during the flood damage cleaning.

They may be able to help with restoring the property, too, like stripping out damp surfaces and building materials.

Get in touch

Our flood restoration experts can also provide a range of other services you may require after a flood including mould remediation, water damage clean up, and sewage spill cleaning.

Contact our team today on 0208 066 0360 or at enquiries@icecleaning.co.uk for a free site survey and no obligation quote for our flood restoration services.