Two Vancouver Island teenagers could be facing charges after a prank flooded the sunken living room of a house, causing tens of thousands of dollars in damage to the hardwood floors.

RCMP in Campbell River, B.C., say the pranksters had propped a garbage can containing at least 100 litres of water against the door of a home on Ash Street on Wednesday.

When the homeowner answered the door, the can tipped over and water gushed through the front hall, spilling into the sunken living room and washing over the hardwood floors of the dining room, according to Sgt. Mallard.

From there, the water seeped through the ceiling, dripping out of fixtures lighting the rooms below.

Damage is estimated at about $20,000, not counting the cost of the two weeks the owners must find somewhere else to live while their home is repaired.

Cpl. Jim Baker investigated the incident and said in 33 years with the Mounties he had never seen a prank that caused such destruction. He described it as "senseless" and "totally uncalled for."

Two Campbell River males, one 17 years old and the other 18, were arrested. They were released pending further investigation and possible criminal charges, said police.

With files from The Canadian Press