How To Handle a Flood That Affects Two Floors

12/6/2021 (Permalink)

Water damaged ceiling.

How to Deal with a Flood on Two Floors

You see a water stain on the ceiling of your office building. You may be tempted to dismiss it as it doesn’t seem to be making a big mess or affecting anything other than the aesthetic of the room. If the leak is under a restroom, however, you could be dealing with sewer damage, and that’s not something you want to ignore. When a toilet overflows in your building in Garland, TX, the water often will seep through to the floor below. The following steps can help you remedy the situation.

1. Make Your Calls

Consult your insurance policy and call your broker to see if damage from toilet overflow is covered under your package. This can help you pay for repairs. Next, call a certified sewage company that specializes in sewer cleanup. They can help you understand the process of mitigation, including how long it will probably take and how much it will likely cost.

2. Expect Some Demolition

Sewer damage is caused by Category 3 water, which means that not only are the materials it touches saturated and likely warped but they are also contaminated. Expect the flooring from the upper floor and the ceiling from the lower floor to be torn out. You may also lose some drywall and insulation, depending on how extensive the flooding is. Of course, the technicians will replace these materials, but it’s going to look worse before it looks better, and it’s good to be prepared for that.

3. Keep Area Clear

Because the water from the flooded toilet is contaminated, it is imperative that you and your employees steer clear of the area. Don’t let skin come into contact with contaminated materials. Leave the sewage extraction and cleanup to the experts.

A leak on a ceiling may look like a small problem, but it can be indicative of a hidden mess. By hiring specialists who are certified in sewer damage cleanup, you can rest assured that your building will be properly restored.