My Toilet Overflowed & Caused Water Damage

An overflowing toilet can easily damage the floor beneath the toilet and also cause damage in rooms below the toilet. If this happens, properly repair the damage and take steps to prevent future damage from an overflowing toilet.

Floor Damage

• Remove the toilet first to allow yourself to repair the flooring beneath and around the toilet. Cut out the damaged flooring and install plywood as a replacement. Fit the plywood around the toilet flange. Also check for any damage to the subfloor and the joists. The joists are the wood boards that support the floor. Also, be sure to remove all the water and moisture caused from the overflow, as standing moisture will lead to mildew.

Rooms Under the Toilet

• Water from the overflowed toilet may leak into light fixtures in a room below the toilet. Dry out any light fixtures. Also, make sure any ceilings and carpeting below the toilet are dry and are not retaining any moisture.

Prevention/Solution

• If you notice a toilet is clogged and the water rising after you flush, do not flush the toilet again to clear the toilet. This will lead to an overflow. Turn off the toilet's water supply by twisting the shut-off valve completely to the right. Place old towels or newspaper on the floor surrounding the toilet and use a plunger or toilet auger to clear the blockage.