What To Do When Your Basement Floods: A Home Repair Guide
Flooding can be caused by heavy rains, overflowing rivers, broken dams, storm surges, deforestation, and melting snow and ice. You are susceptible if you live in an area that is prone to flooding. If you have a basement, you might want to think about how to be prepared for this. The question is: “Do you know what to do when your basement floods?” Read on to find out how to be ready for flooding.
What Causes Basement Flooding?
We cannot do away with the fact that any basement can flood. It doesn’t only occur during heavy rains or snowmelts in the spring. It has a big possibility to occur even during dry weather. There are many reasons why basements flood. Flooding can occur by flow through the walls or foundation floor, from surface water sources, or by a sanitary or storm sewer backup.
Water leakages such as plumbing leaks are caused by a leaking pipe, water tank, or any utility that requires water flow. Sewage leaks are caused by clogging. Meanwhile, basement foundation leaks are caused by excessive amounts of rain, poor yard drainage, and sewer backups, seeping water into your basement from faults in the foundation.
What To Do When Your Basement Floods
You have to deal with water in your basement. Removing the water is your first instinct. The following are some of the helpful tips that you may do.
Do not Enter a Flooded Basement. Basement floods cause property damage and pose a threat to you and your family members. If you see that your basement is filled with water, call an electrician and the restoration pros right away. If your circuit breaker is not in the basement, shut off the power in your home. Electrical appliances are dangerous if they contact with the water.
Remove the Water. Once you’ve removed electronic devices, remove the water so you can assess the damage. If your basement is flooded, your pump has failed. However, a pump won’t remove all the water from your basement, so you have to use a mop to clean up the rest. If you notice more than two feet of water in your basement, seek a professional to help you dry out. Don’t try to remove the water yourself. You have to remove the water as quickly as possible. The humid environment gives mold a chance to grow. The mold will cost you more damages.
Deal With Your Wet Items. Remove everything that got wet, including furniture, and place them in an area where they can dry out, like in the garage. File an insurance claim, if you have insurance, as soon as possible after the flood. You should also rip up the wet carpet.
Dry your Affected Area. Your basement won’t dry on its own. You have to use fans and industrial blowers or dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture. This step will help your basement dry faster and minimize mold’s chances of growing.
Prevent Mold Before It Grows. Humid and dark conditions allow molds to grow. Mold poses a health threat, and if you discover mold in the weeks after the flood, you need a thorough cleaning. Use soap and warm water to clean up your walls. Every day, check the basement after the flood and be alert of the molds. If you see a suspicious-looking area, clean the area with bleach and warm water.
Conclusion
Floods may make your basement unusable, a basement, and ruin your personal belongings. And worst, they create a severe health and safety hazard. There are preventive measures, but it will only lessen the chances of flooding in the basement. No worries! You are now way ahead since you already learned what to do when your basement floods. Know more about emergency plans.