Hey there! Dealing with a toilet overflow can be a real mess. As a home improvement expert who has tackled my fair share of bathroom disasters, let me walk you through how to fully disinfect your bathroom floor if you‘re ever faced with this smelly problem.
Trust me, I know how stressful and worrisome it can be when your toilet starts spewing out water all over the place. But don‘t worry, we‘ll get your bathroom floors sanitized and safe again in no time! Just follow along with these steps.
Stop the Flow and Soak Up Water
First things first, we need to stop any more water from gushing out.
Turn Off the Shut-Off Valve
Take a deep breath and try to stay calm. Head over to the shut-off valve behind your toilet and turn it clockwise to stop flow into the tank. This will prevent any more water from refilling the toilet and overflowing.
According to hardware retailer Lowe‘s, the shut-off valve is most often found on the wall or floor behind the toilet, though some older houses may have the valve farther away in the basement.
Plunge the Toilet
Once the water shut-off is closed, I recommend giving the toilet a few good plunges. Really put your back into it! This can dislodge any obstructions in the drain and allow the water to go down.
Make sure to use a plunger specifically designed for toilets rather than a standard sink plunger. The rubber bell shape helps provide a better seal within the toilet bowl.
Call a Plumber if Needed
If plunging doesn‘t seem to be doing the trick, it‘s likely there is a larger issue blocking up your toilet‘s drainage pipe. Don‘t hesitate to call a professional plumber at this point to fully diagnose and address the problem.
Trying to fix it yourself with caustic chemical drain cleaners can be both dangerous and ineffective if there is a major clog or pipe damage.
Soak Up Excess Water
With the water flow stopped, it‘s time to start soaking up any overflow water still sitting on your bathroom floor.
Work quickly to remove all visible water using towels, rags, a wet/dry vacuum, or a mop. Be sure to lift any bathmats, rugs, or decorations sitting directly on wet flooring.
According to restoration company ServiceMaster, you should also take photos of any walls or flooring damaged by the water. This documentation can help if you need to file an insurance claim later for repairs.
Assess Areas Affected by the Overflow
Now it‘s time to inspect where exactly the water ended up around your bathroom so you know every spot that needs to be cleaned and disinfected.
Mark the edges of affected areas with masking tape and take notes on which surfaces need attention.
Floors
Obviously the area directly around and underneath the toilet will need cleaning. But don‘t forget to check for water that may have spread under the door and into adjacent rooms.
Lower Walls
Check the lower portion of any walls near the toilet as well as behind the toilet tank. Overflow water can soak into sheetrock and potentially damage or mold.
Cabinets and Vanities
If you have cabinets or a vanity next to the toilet, inspect under and behind them for any water exposure. Watch for water dripping down the back of cabinets even if the fronts appear dry.
Door Jambs and Trim
The crevices around your bathroom door jambs and trim plates can also harbor hidden grime and moisture. Don‘t let these spots be missed!
Mix Up a Disinfecting Solution
With your affected areas mapped out, it‘s time to mix up a sanitizing solution. This will kill any bacteria left behind by the toilet water.
Here‘s what you‘ll need:
- 1/4 cup of bleach
- 1 gallon of water
Use bleach that is EPA-registered as a disinfectant. Look for labels that specify "disinfecting" or "sanitizing."
I recommend Clorox Regular Bleach or another household bleach product labeled as able to kill viruses and bacteria.
Make sure to add the bleach to water rather than the reverse to avoid splashing and fumes. And of course, work in a well-ventilated area and use proper gloves and eye protection.
According to the Clorox Company, this standard 1/4 cup bleach per gallon of water ratio makes an effective disinfecting solution for use against germs including:
- E. coli
- Salmonella
- Staph
- Rhinovirus
- Hepatitis A virus
- Influenza viruses
You can also purchase commercial disinfecting cleaners, but double check the label to confirm efficacy against bacteria potentially present in toilet water.
Scrub and Disinfect All Affected Surfaces
My favorite part—cleaning time! Roll up those sleeves and get ready to scrub.
Hard, Non-Porous Surfaces
For hard surfaces like floors, walls, countertops, cabinets, and windowsills, liberally apply your bleach cleaning solution.
According to the CDC, you should let the bleach solution sit for at least 5 minutes to properly disinfect. Then simply wipe away any grime and excess liquid.
Make sure to allow treated areas to completely air dry before using again. Bleach solutions need proper contact time to work effectively.
Electronics and Appliances
If you have any electronics, outlets, or appliances that got splashed near the toilet overflow, start by unplugging them from power before wiping down.
Carefully disinfect just the exterior surfaces, avoiding getting moisture into any openings. Give them plenty of time to dry out before reconnecting to power.
Consider calling an appliance repair technician if you have any concerns about water getting inside any components. Better safe than electrocuted!
Upholstered Items: Chairs, Rugs, etc.
Here‘s the bad news: upholstered items like chairs, curtains, and rugs that got hit by the toilet water will most likely need to be thrown out and replaced.
The porous, absorbent materials are nearly impossible to fully disinfect once contaminated. Harsh chemicals can also damage many fabrics.
For hand-washable rugs, you can attempt cleaning with an oxygen-activated carpet shampoo. But I recommend erring on the side of caution and starting fresh with new items.
Wash All Cleaning Tools
Don‘t forget to wash any sponges, mops, rags, or other tools used for cleaning in hot water after you finish. This prevents any germs from spreading to other areas of your home.
Give the Toilet a Deep Clean
Now it‘s time to focus on disinfecting the toilet itself. Scrub every surface to remove grime and kill lurking bacteria.
Inside the Toilet Bowl
Use a toilet brush and bathroom cleaner to vigorously scrub the inside of the toilet bowl. Get under the rim and along the flat back portion behind the seat. These areas are prone to buildup.
I‘m a big fan of Lysol Power Toilet Bowl Cleaner or Clorox Toilet Bowl Cleaner with Bleach. But any disinfecting toilet cleaner will do the trick.
Toilet Tank and Exterior Surfaces
Lift off the toilet tank lid and scrub inside the tank with a disinfecting wipe or rag. Make sure to get the chain, flappers, and any pipes or valves.
Then wipe down the outer surfaces of the tank, bowl exterior, base, and don‘t forget – the toilet seat! For the seat, take it completely off the hinges to fully expose the underside.
Flush Away Residue
Once the inside and outside of the toilet is pristine, flush a few times to rinse away any leftover cleaning solution. Then replace your sparkling clean toilet seat and admire your work!
Check Under Baseboards if Needed
If the overflow soaked into your bathroom walls near the floor, it‘s smart to remove any lower baseboard trim to check behind it.
Use a pry bar and hammer to gently remove baseboard sections near the overflow area. Then peek under for any hidden moisture or ickiness.
Use fans or a dehumidifier to fully dry out the wall cavity before replacing clean baseboards. Consider sealing the edges with caulk.
Dry Out the Bathroom Fully
Even after thorough cleaning, excess moisture may still linger in drywall, under floors, or in crevices if the overflow was substantial.
To fully dry out the bathroom and prevent any future mold growth:
- Run the bathroom exhaust fan continuously for 2-3 days after cleaning
- Place portable fans directing airflow at any affected walls or floors
- Open windows if weather allows for ventilation
- Use a dehumidifier to help remove excess moisture from the air
According to the EPA, areas should remain dry for at least 48 hours before rebuilding or covering with flooring.
Watch for Signs of Mold
In the week or two after your toilet disaster, keep an eye out for any fuzzy mold starting to grow. Look along the baseboards, caulk lines, and grout for any unusual spots.
Catching mold early makes it much easier to take care of. The EPA recommends cleaning early mold with mild detergent and water, or household cleaner containing no more than 1/2 cup bleach per gallon.
If you end up with extensive mold growth, you may need professional mold remediation. Exposure to mold spores can be very harmful for infants, elderly, or immunocompromised individuals.
Consider Replacing Heavily Damaged Drywall
According to restoration experts, sections of drywall that stayed wet for over 48 hours should be cut out and replaced. The cost is often comparable to trying to remediate severe mold.
Cut away any visibly warped or damaged drywall using a utility knife. Make straight cuts from stud to stud, making sure to wear proper dust protection.
In severe cases, you may want to consider replacing all lower drywall 6-12 inches up from the floor throughout the bathroom as a precaution.
Disinfect Under Flooring
Here‘s another spot that might be missed! For bathrooms with vinyl, tile, or other removable sheet flooring, check under it for contamination.
Carefully pull back flooring sections to check the subfloor underneath. Use fans and a wet/dry vac to remove moisture before disinfecting.
Mop or spray the floor joists with bleach solution before replacing the clean flooring. This prevents future mold or bacteria growth.
Prevent a Repeat Overflow!
Now that we‘ve got your bathroom floors back to their former glory, let‘s talk about prevention so you hopefully never have to deal with this again!
Here are my top tips for avoiding repeat toilet overflows:
Upgrade Toilet Hardware
Replace flapper valves, fill valves, and other internal toilet parts at the first sign of leaks, cracks, or other wear for optimal functioning.
Avoid Flushing Trash
Never flush wipes, paper towels, feminine products, cotton swabs or other non-toilet paper items that can get stuck and clog drains.
Install an Overflow Tube
This handy toilet tank add-on stops water from endlessly pouring out if a flapper gets stuck open.
Periodically Clear Drains
Use a closet auger every 1-2 years to remove built up gunk in the toilet trap and drainage pipe.
Have Plumber Check Shut-Off Valve
Ensure your water shut-off valve and supply line are in good working order in case you need to use it again!
Call the Pros for Major Issues
In severe cases of toilet overflows or flooding, it can be wise to call in the pros:
- If sewage has flooded into other areas of your home
- If you have widespread drywall or floor damage
- If mold remediation is needed
- If major repairs are required to restore your bathroom
Remediation pros have the gear, experience, and equipment to fully dry out flooded areas, remediate mold, and conduct necessary repairs.
Stay Healthy!
As a final word of advice, be sure to take precautions after a toilet overflow to keep your family healthy:
- Wash hands frequently, especially before eating
- Avoid touching your face
- Shower and wash thoroughly after cleanup
- Wash any exposed clothes in hot water
- See a doctor if any family members feel ill
Properly cleaning and disinfecting your bathroom can help prevent the spread of bacteria and illness from a gross toilet overflow! Let me know if you have any other questions. I‘m always happy to share my home improvement experiences and advice.
Stay well, my friend!
