How to Detect Wood Water Damage From Toilet Overflow in a House

Put on latex or rubber gloves before inspecting the wood. Protection is essential when you may be exposed to mold.

Inspect the wood for discoloration, which may indicate mold growth. Mold spores thrive in moist wood and cause it to develop powdery spots of various colors. Unless the bathroom was flooded, the excess moisture in the wood is most generally caused by an overflowing toilet.

Examine the wood for deterioration, including holes and soft or mushy wood. Gently poke the wood to determine how sturdy it is. High-moisture areas attract mold and mildew, which digest moist wood fibers.

Check the wood for odors after inspecting for discoloration. If the wood smells musty or foul, like sewage, you can conclude the wood has been exposed to moisture and probably contains mold. Fecal odors on wood are obvious indications of toilet overflow.

Inspect the wood for blistering or warping, which are signs that wood could have been exposed to toilet overflow. Wood tends to warp and blister after it gets wet and then dries out.

Look for a water line on wood trim and wall paneling. Minerals in toilet overflow can transfer white marks onto wood. These marks can remain on wood long after it dries.