In addition, if you forgot to turn the water off in the tub because you had to take a phone call, or your child started the water and left without telling anyone – these are all examples of accidental water losses that can also cause serious proper damage.
An overflowed tub can cause extreme damage to a subfloor, carpet, drywall, ceiling below the tub, walls below the tub, etc. Depending on how quickly remediation occurs, many of these can be saved.
1. Bacteria Growth
Even if water from a bath overflow is clean, it can still cause bacteria and mold to grow that can harm you and your family. The threat of bacteria growth develops when a bath overflow happens and a significant amount of time passes before you get the mess cleaned up. Bacteria and mold drives contamination and damage that harms not just your home but your loved ones too.
2. Leaking Ceilings
Bath overflow from the second floor of your home, even if it is caught quickly, can create small bubbles in the ceiling downstairs. If this happens, your ceiling could start leaking water and cause discoloration at the best and you could be up for some expensive repair bills. If a large amount of water leaks, your ceiling could begin to sag. If it does, you must avoid entering that room as more water or debris could fall that might injure you. Ensure that everyone stays out of the downstairs area because it could be dangerous.
3. Wet Plasterboard
Bath overflow could easily damage plasterboard. When wet it could weaken so badly that it could be beyond recovery. There is nothing more you can do but replace all the plasterboard in your home that is damaged. This can bring a big inconvenience and expense.
If a large amount of water is running down the walls you may want to shut off the electricity. Water in your electrical system is very dangerous. You will need to call a plumber and an electrician, which will cost you even more.
4. Ruined Floors
Bath overflow can ruin your flooring, especially if it is made of linoleum or wood. It’s always a good idea to make sure you have proper coverage that will cover all major repair costs.
5. Damp, Smelly Furniture and Carpets
Once bath overflows happen and seep through the ceiling and walls, water can drip down and damage your home furniture and appliances. Bacteria and mold can begin to grow in your carpet and furniture and will produce a foul smell within a short amount of time.
6. Weak And Unsafe Subfloors
Water can soak into the subfloor and the moisture could cause your subfloor to become so damaged that it has to be removed. Although having to remove the subfloor is rare, it’s important to make sure that the subfloor is completely dry to prevent secondary damage and mold growth.
Fortunately, preventing a bathtub overflow isn’t the most complex thing in the world. You’ll just have to be careful not to let debris go down this drain as you and your family enjoy the comforts of refreshing baths. Here are a few tips to keep your tub drains clear:
- Keep the drain cover on at all times. This keeps most solid objects out of your tub’s drainage line.
- Keep your tub clean and hair-free as me. Your bath tub’s drain cover keeps most hair strands out, but some eventually get through. Over time, hair can collect in your drain and create a clog.
- Avoid disposing of oily fluids into your drain. Oil, grease and fats are known to linger on in your drain, get bigger as more debris comes in, and cause a clog.
- Educate your children on proper tub use. Kids love to play while they’re in the tub and sometimes they remove the drain covers and flush down toys.
- Remember to turn the water off in the event you are interrupted by a phone call etc while starting your bath.
If bath overflow happens, shut off the water source straight away to minimize potential damage. Bath overflow needs immediate action so water extraction and proper dry out is the next step. Mold growth and structural damage will occur if it is not addressed in a timely manner. Contact Sage Restoration today if you experienced water damage due to a bath tub overflow!
