From Chaos to Cleanliness: How We Urgently Mitigated a Broken Toilet Flooding in Cedar Park, TX

February 4, 2025
JT Lehman

At Texas Certified Restoration, we know the stress and dangers water damage brings to homeowners, especially when it messes up with your daily plans and obligations. Not long ago, we had the chance to provide expert water mitigation in Cedar Park, TX, to a resident dealing with a challenging Category 3 water damage scenario: a broken toilet flooding. A major leak from an upstairs bathroom caused widespread damage, impacting the bathroom, the kitchen below, and various materials throughout the house. Here’s a step-by-step look at how we tackled the issue to ensure the home was safe, clean, and ready for restoration.

Cleaning Up Bathroom Water Emergency: Our Mitigation Steps

When the homeowner contacted us, we immediately rushed to their home to assess the extent of the damage. Since this flooding involved category 3 water, or “black water,” we knew we had a dangerous situation on our hands.

First Inspection and Examination

During the inspection, we concluded that water from their broken toilet affected not only their bathroom, but the water had soaked the kitchen ceiling directly below, and nearby drywall, subfloor, and vinyl flooring. The moisture meter readings also showed high levels below the flooring, directly impacting the ceiling, leaving wet patches all over it.


Water Extraction and Containment Barriers

The first step was to remove the standing water as quickly as possible to reduce the risks category 3 water damage has on health. Using high-powered equipment, we extracted water from the bathroom and surrounding areas. To prevent contamination from spreading throughout the rest of the home, we set up containment barriers in the bathroom and over the kitchen ceiling, to isolate the damaged areas. These barriers ensured that debris and airborne contaminants wouldn’t spread during the remediation process.


Demolition, Removal and Material Disposal

Next, we began controlled demolition to remove materials that couldn’t be saved. In the bathroom, we tore out the baseboards and wet drywall, non-salvageable vinyl flooring, and parts of the subfloor that were too damaged to repair. In the kitchen, we carefully removed the damaged ceiling and safely bagged the debris for proper disposal. All affected materials were handled with care to minimize further contamination.


Thorough Dry Out of the Bathroom and Ceiling 

Our thorough drying process looked like this:


  • Air Movers and Dehumidifiers: Used to thoroughly dry the affected areas after demolition. Helped eliminate the risk of further structural damage or mold growth.
  • Continuous Operation: Equipment ran non-stop for several days to ensure complete drying. We monitored moisture levels daily to keep the process on track.
  • HEPA Vacuums: Used to capture any remaining fine particles in the air and on surfaces.


Cleaning and Sanitizing with Antimicrobial Solutions

Once the areas were dry, we cleaned and sanitized all surfaces using antimicrobial agents. With these solutions, we removed any harmful bacteria or mold spores left behind by the contaminated water. We paid extra attention to high-touch areas and surfaces exposed to water.


Final Check and Insurance 

With the mitigation process complete, the homeowner’s insurance approved the claim to cover the mitigation work. Before finishing, we ensured the property was safe for the homeowner to enjoy their home. We documented every step and detail of the entire process, including photos and moisture readings, to streamline the insurance claim.


From a Broken Toilet Flooding to a Safe and Clean Home 

The homeowner was relieved to have the damage contained and the affected areas thoroughly cleaned and dried. They were especially pleased with our quick response and attention to detail throughout the project. By the end of the process, the home was ready for the restoration phase, and the family could begin returning to normal life.


Say Goodbye to Water Damage: Contact Us Today for Expert Services!

At Texas Certified Restoration, we’re proud to deliver fast, reliable, and thorough water mitigation services. Whether it’s a small leak or a major Category 3 incident, we’re here to help homeowners in Cedar Park, TX, and beyond recover with confidence. Contact us today at (254) 212-7183 or fill out the form on our website for a free estimate! Let us restore the comfort and safety of your home!


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