Flood water damage is often caused by heavy rains or storm surges during hurricanes or tropical storms. If you live near a body of water, you should take precautions against flooding.
Water from floods can cause thousands of dollars of damage and ruin your home or even cost lives. Preparing before a disaster is the best way to prevent floodwater damage. The basement is one of the places in the house where water acts so stubborn and doesn't want to go away easily.
Even though it might seem obvious, it’s important to remove water from flooded areas immediately. By taking these 7 steps, you can reduce mold growth and other problems associated with water damage. Dig into and learn about those steps.
Here are the 7 ways to soak up water in the basement:
1. Make sure your basement’s power is turned off before you begin.
You must turn off the electricity in your basement before you begin. Depending on the location of the breaker box, you may be able to turn off the power yourself. It is best to call an electrician if you are not sure how to turn off the power supply yourself.
You mustn't turn on any electrical appliances that may have been damaged by the flooding because there is a possibility that you could be shocked or cause an electrical fire as a result. While drying out your basement, it may be necessary to use flashlights or floodlights powered by batteries to see what you are doing.
2. When the outside water level is lower than the inner water level, wait
You should check your basement water level only if you have floodwaters outside your home. When the water recedes from your basement at the same rate as any external floodwater recedes, try to remove it at the same rate.
If you aren't sure which level of flood water is higher, use a tape measure or other measurement tool to measure the height. Pumping out the water in your basement too fast before the level of water outside your home can damage your basement's walls.
3. Remove water
Make sure the water is drained as soon as possible. Wet vacs are usually able to remove a few inches of standing water. Purchase, borrow, or rent a wet vac if you do not have one.
Service Master or ServPro can help with major water damage. Water can be wiped up with towels if the damage is minor, but it should be cleaned and dried immediately to prevent mold growth.
4. Pump out the water
A wet-dry shop vac and a dehumidifier are the best tools for getting water from a basement. If you don't know how to use one, here's what you need to do:
Set up the shop-vax so that it can suck up water. Take the top off and remove the air filter. Place a wide, flat attachment at the end of the shop vac hose. Suck up all standing liquid into the vacuum and deposit water outside your house as close to the foundation as possible. Turn on the dehumidifier and let it run for several hours.
Once all the standing water has evaporated, put down plastic sheeting and place furniture on top of the plastic. This will prevent moisture from returning to the area.
5. Drag out the mold.
Put on your rubber gloves and take a look around your home. You don't want to fall victim to one of those nasty surprises that come along once a year during the spring thaw. If you have a basement, crawlspace, or even a storm sewer system, make sure to thoroughly inspect everything.
Before you start pulling up weeds, grass clippings, sticks, leaves, and anything else that could cause problems, check to see what type of plumbing is underneath your property.
Sometimes, you'll find pipes running under sidewalks or streets, while others are buried underground. These hidden pipes can become clogged with debris over time, causing flooding and water damage throughout your home.
If you have a septic tank, you might notice a foul odor coming from your basement or crawl space. This could mean that there's something wrong with your drainage system. To avoid getting sick, call a professional plumber immediately.
6. Keep important documents in the freezer
If valuable documents or cherished papers are getting wet, you might want to put them in the freezer. Mildew growth and deterioration can be stopped temporarily until you can attend to the items later.
Resolve not to store anything valuable in the basement and keep it away from moisture. Plastic storage bins are far superior to cardboard boxes for basement use because they protect against water damage.
7. Investigate the Basement Flood Source
Check out your gutters, downspouts, and drains around your house if you suspect a leaky roof. If you see anything unusual, call your local building inspector. You could also hire a professional to inspect the drainage system for you.
If nothing seems amiss, look closer at your foundation walls. A crack near the bottom of the wall could indicate a problem with your footing, leading to a cracked slab.
Next, take a close look at the floor drain. This could be clogged up, or it might just be too small for the amount of water coming into the basement. If you notice any holes in the concrete surrounding the drain, make sure to fill those in immediately.
Finally, scan the area around your home for signs of water damage. Look for wet carpeting, damaged drywall, and even mold growing where there shouldn't be any moisture. Use a flashlight to spot hidden leaks.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. What Is The First Thing You Should Do When Your Basement Floods?
First, you need to assess the situation if your basement floods.
2. How Do I Deal with a Flooded Basement?
Additional action should only be taken if you are experiencing water in your basement.
3. If my basement floods, what should I do?
Stop your basement's flooding by determining why it's happening.
4. What types of water pumps can I buy?
Submersible pumps can be rented or purchased at hardware stores and swimming pool supply stores if the standing water is several inches deep.
5. How Should I Handle Flooded Items?
In the basement flood cleanup process, getting rid of any ruined belongings is imperative.
Conclusion
We hope this article has helped you understand how to deal with flooded basements. We've provided information on how to prevent future flooding and tips on how to clean up after a flood. So the next time flood comes, don't just sit back, fight back.
