Whether it was a DIY project gone wrong or a terrible surprise you uncovered after a long day, a flooded bathroom can be a disaster.

Flooded bathrooms can happen for a variety of reasons. Sometimes it’s the result of a clog, or perhaps a burst pipe.

After the initial cleanup, there comes a long to-do list full of people to call and rooms to renovate. If you’re lucky, the leak simply left a little puddle for you to clean up. But if the flood left you in a pinch, this guide will help you get back on your feet. Here’s what to do when your bathroom floods:

Flip the Switch

The first thing you should do in the case of a flooded bathroom or home is turn off your water supply. There are likely a few shutoff valves inside your home and one outside, so it’s a good idea to familiarize yourself with their locations. Keep an eye on your outlets, too. If the water is reaching a level near outlets, appliances or anything plugged in, shut off your electricity.

Clean Up and Organize

The clean-up phase when your bathroom floods can be trying and exhausting. First, clean up any standing water using mops and towels, or use a wet-dry vacuum if the flooding was more extensive. Move any furniture away from standing water and rescue any valuable items. If your room is full of cabinets, open them up to allow fresh air to get in, preventing any mold or mildew from growing inside. Pointing fans toward areas once flooded with water will help ensure they’re thoroughly dried out.

Take Inventory

After the initial cleanup, there’s still much work to be done. As you’re cleaning — and before you even start cleaning — it’s a good idea to snap a few pictures of the flooding for insurance purposes. Pull back the carpet in damaged areas to check if the water seeped below onto any carpet padding. Check floors below the flooded areas to ensure the water isn’t dripping onto the next floor.

Call the Experts and Reinforcements

After you’ve taken care of the initial flooding, it’s best to call in the professionals to help you discover the root of the problem and make any repairs. Don’t ignore the effects of flooding — it could cause significant damage to your home and should be checked up on even months after the initial occurrence. Call your insurance agent to get more information, and ask a few friends or neighbors to stop over and join the clean-up festivities.

When you’re in need of some help, contact Benjamin Franklin Plumbing. Our punctual plumbers are available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, so there’s no need to wait to deal with your flooded bathroom. They have the tools and expertise to deal with the problem efficiently and productively when your bathroom floods.