Hello,

We had an overflow toilet in our bathroom that was seeping water for approximately 8 hours. We were able to turn off the toilet after discovering the overflow. The water has seeped through the downstairs ceiling and we also noticed water coming down in the basement as well as an exterior wall.

Is there anything that we should look out for in terms of mold issues or structural problems? Should we contact a restoration and damage group?

Thanks,
Ruth

If you can get it dried out promptly, mold shouldn't be an issue. Doubt structural damage. I would contact your insurance company to see if there is coverage. You will probably have to remove some drywall and insulation to get air through the area.

I agree, contact your insurance company but check your deductible before filing a claim. However, I do not agree about the mold. If its in the walls, baseboards and ceiling it will mold unless you open up the ceiling and walls. I had a similar job and the insurance adjuster estimated it out at $1800 but I had a$1000 deductible so I did it myself. Molds starts growing on damp drywall in 24-48 hours.

Thanks so much! I tried to peel off as much paint as I could where the water was bubbling. I noticed that the ceiling drywall is very wet. It's still dripping from a certain area, so I have a feeling there still may be water trapped in there. I've peeled back all of the paint from where bubbles are occurring. I put a floor fan and have it pointed upwards at the ceiling to help dry it quicker.

Hey Ruth,
I see a lot of talk about damage but nothing about the cause. Since the toilet overflowed in meant that there was a blockage down stream from it. Was it ever snaked and the clog cleared away? Inquiring minds want to know! Cheers, Tom

Hi speedball1, the clog has been cleared away and we've kept the toilet off for now.

we've kept the toilet off for now.
If you have a toilet that's working why is it not being used? What am I missing here? Back to you, Tom

We just kept it off for now while we handle the other issue with the drywall. We have two other toilets in the home that we can use. We'll turn that one back on shortly.

Thanks again for all the comments. Currently, from what is viewable in the ceiling we were able to dry up the ceiling wall. The dry wall is currently firm. My additional question would be, would the consensus be then to open up the drywall just to make sure it has a place to air out?

Would it be like a 2 by 2 foot hole?

Hi Ruth,
I think I would leave the dry wall alone. While it may seem odd to suggest running the AC in this weather it will act as a great dehumidifier and pull the moisture right out of those walls. Good luck, Tom