How to Prevent Bathroom Flooding

There are many appliances in your bathroom that can malfunction and lead to water damage. From the sink to the bathtub, and shower, each area could clog or overflow. Mr Restore has responded to hundreds of water damage calls in the Dallas area that resulted from a faulty bathroom appliance. When a bathroom fixture overflows, it can lead to extensive water damage and thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements. Not only that, but water damage that has resulted in a broken sink or bathtub can be unsanitary and dangerous if left unattended for long periods of time. 

While bathroom water damage and flooding can sometimes be unpredictable, there are a few things you can do to prevent it from happening. 

Preventing Clogged Sinks, Bathtubs, and Showers 

The most common reason sinks and bathtubs overflow is because the drain has clogged. Bathroom drains can be clogged with all sorts of debris and materials, including toilet tissue, hair, and soap scum. Not only can a clogged drain lead to a flooded sink, but faulty pipes can also lead to a broken sink or tub. Unattended bathroom water can damage tile, hardwood floors, and lead to mold and mildew. Follow our tips to prevent water damage from a broken bathroom appliance:

• Prevent hair from getting into the drain: Hair can cause serious clogs in a drain. It is likely that you get ready in the morning near your sink, which makes it easy for hair to fall in the sink and be washed down the drain. Even more common, hair is washed down the drain with each shower taken. The more hair that gets caught in the pipe, the quicker it will clog. Try your best not to allow hair down the drain in your sink or tub. Consider purchasing a “hair-stopper” device to catch the hair from entering the drain.

• Prevent other small items caught in the drain: Other items can easily get caught in the sink that can lead to overflow and water damage. If you look under your sink, you will notice that the pipe curves; this is called the p-trap. The p-trap helps prevent dangerous gasses and chemicals from entering your sink. However, it also creates the perfect “trap” for unwanted items that have fallen into the drain.

The most common items that get lost in the drain include jewelry, chunks of soap, tissue, and small toys. If you have children, it is likely that you have experienced a small toy or other strange items caught in the sink! Practice caution when dealing with these items in the bathroom and talk to your young children about what items are allowed near the sink.

• Check pipes regularly for damage: Broken and damaged pipes can also lead to bathroom flooding and water damage. It is vital that you check your pipes regularly to ensure they are working properly. Check under the sink for any corrosion or rust, which is a good indicator that the pipes need to be replaced.

Be sure that there are not any dents or bumps in the pipes, as this can prevent water from flowing properly. Check that all pipes are securely fastened. If you are unsure if your pipes are working properly, contact a professional to inspect and fix the bathroom pipes. Some bathroom pipes are hidden or difficult to get to, which is why it is important to stay on top of their condition.  It is better to be proactive than to deal with water damage disasters later!

• Do not dispose of any other liquids or grease in the drain: Lastly, be sure not to use your bathroom sinks, bathtubs, or showers to dispose of any liquids other than water. Some liquids, especially grease and oil, will stick to the edge of your pipes. This will prevent bathroom water from flowing properly and will cause clogs and flooding. 

Remember, if you find that your bathroom has suffered from flooding or water damage, do not attempt to clean up the water yourself. Some bathroom water can be considered contaminated or may need special equipment to clean up. Immediately contact Mr. Restore to help repair the damage. Our experienced technicians have over 50 years of experience dealing with bathroom water damage. We will arrive to your property within 60 minutes to assess the damage and help get your bathroom back to normal!