Nobody wants a flooded basement. It is a real headache. Maybe it is from heavy rain, a burst pipe, or a sump pump that stopped working. Water in your basement can cause a lot of harm and lead to bigger issues if you do not deal with it fast. At Emergency Restoration Xperts (ERX), the stress can be overwhelming with leak, or a flood in your basement. Let’s talk about if you basement floods, and most importantly what to do!
1. Contact Your Insurance Company
If it is your house or business, please contact your insurance company. A lot of the time, we do not even know what we signed up for. See if they will cover the damage, so you can rest easy. Here is a quick 1 2 3 step.
- Document the Damage: Take photos and videos of the flooded areas, damaged belongings, and any structural damage. This documentation will be valuable when filing your insurance claim.
- Understand Your Coverage: Discuss with your insurance company what is covered under your policy. Flood damage is typically covered under separate flood insurance, so it’s important to clarify the specifics of your policy.
- Work with Your Restoration Company: ERX can assist you in navigating the insurance process. We work closely with insurance companies to ensure that the restoration work is approved and covered by your policy, making the process smoother for you.
2. Ensure Safety First
LISTEN UP! SAFETY FIRST! A wet basement can turn ugly real quick! We are talking about electric shocks and really dirty water.
Turn Off Electricity: If you can get to your electric box without walking into the water, shut off the power to that part of the house. Water and electricity do not mix well. You want to avoid any chance of getting hurt by power.
Avoid Contact with Floodwater: Floodwater can have harmful bacteria, chemicals, or sewage. Using the right gear is important obviously. So, let’s list some: rubber boots, gloves, and waterproof clothing if you need to enter the water.
Ventilate the Area: And try to open up any windows and doors down there. Getting air moving helps a lot to keep mold from starting. It also pulls some of the wetness out of the air.
3. Find the Flood Source
Check for Leaks: Leaks can start from the pipes in your home or business. Make sure you if you find a leak, contact a plumber. Do not be Mr. DIY.
Look at the Foundation:: Check for cracks or holes in your foundation walls where water might be coming through. If you can, block these spots for a bit.
Check Outside Drains: Make sure your gutters, downspouts, and drains are clean. They should be sending water away from your house base. Blocked or wrongly aimed drains often cause basement floods.
4. Get the Water Out
After you stop the water from coming in, it is time to get the water out of your basement. The faster you move, the less harm your home will get.
Use a Sump Pump: You can rent a sump pump. If you have a sump pump, use it to take out water. Make sure it works well before you count on it. Remember you can always rent one at Home Depot (You need to go there can’t do it online). If you want to buy one… Here’s a link! (Home Depot Sump Pump Rentals)
Use a Wet/Dry Vacuum: If leak is small… Save yourself some time, and just use a wet/dry vacuum. As we previously stated wet + electricity = bad. Make sure they are safe to use.
Call a Water Removal Company: Call a Water Removal Company: For big floods, it is a good idea to call a pro water removal service. ERX has the tools and skill to safely and quickly take out water. This helps keep harm to your property small.
5. Dry Out Your Basement
Once the water is gone, stop the mold from growing by drying out your basement!
Take Out Wet Things: Remove any wet items, such as carpets, rugs, furniture, and your personal stuff. These things should be dried completely or thrown away if they are too broken.
Open Windows and Doors: Let more air in by opening all windows and doors. Use fans to make drying faster.
Dehumidifiers are Key: Running a dehumidifier in the wet area will help lower the wetness in the air and make drying faster.
Look for Mold: Even after drying, mold after a flood is common, as quick as a day or two. Check your basement for any mold signs. Do what is needed if you find it. A mold removal pro might be needed to make sure your home is safe.
6. Clean and Sanitize
Still water can bring in bad germs, mold, and other dirty things. Cleaning and sanitizing everything well is needed to make your basement safe again.
Take Out and Replace Bad Drywall: If the flood hit your drywall, it is usually best to take it out and put in new. Wet drywall can hold mold and get weak.
Clean All Spots: Use a cleaning liquid to wipe down all affected areas. This includes walls, floors, and anything left. Pay close attention to spots that were under water.
Throw Away Dirty Things: Sadly, some things might not be saved, especially if they were in dirty water. Get rid of these things in a good way to stop spreading dirt.
7. Stop Future Floods
Now your basement is dry and clean, take some prevention steps to never let this stressful situation happen again.
Slope Your Yard Right: Make sure your yard goes downhill away from your home. This sends water away from the foundation. A bad slope can cause water to sit near your home, raising the chance of floods.
Put in a Sump Pump with Extra Power: We can’t stop talking about Sump Pumps to keep your basement dry. But it only works if it has power during an outage. Keep in mind a backup battery can be very useful.
(Make it a Habit) Clean Gutters and Downspouts: Clean your gutters and downspouts! Check once a week to make sure they are clear. Good upkeep helps send water away from your house base.
Close Cracks and Holes: Look at your foundation for cracks and gaps. Close them with waterproof sealer. This will help stop water from getting into your basement.
8. Contact a Professional Restoration Company
Dealing with a flooded basement is a daunting task, but you don’t have to do it alone. ERX is here to help with professional water damage restoration services.
Fast Help: ERX gives help any time, day or night, to quickly fix flood issues and keep harm to your property small.
Full Repairs: Our team does everything from taking out water and drying to cleaning, sanitizing, and full repairs. We work fast to get your home back to how it was before the flood.
Insurance Help: Handling insurance claims can be hard after a flood. ERX works closely with your insurance company to make sure your claim goes well and you get the money you should.
FAQs About Basement Flooding
What causes basement flooding? Basement flooding can be caused by various factors, including heavy rain, burst pipes, sump pump failure, poor drainage, and foundation cracks.
How soon should I begin cleaning up after a flood? You should start cleaning up as soon as it’s safe to do so. The faster you remove water and dry out your basement, the less damage you’ll have to deal with.
Can I stay in my home during the cleanup process? If the flood was severe or if there’s significant mold growth, it might be best to stay elsewhere until the cleanup and restoration are complete. Always prioritize your safety.
Will insurance cover my flooded basement? It depends on the cause of the flood and your specific insurance policy. Flood insurance is often required for water damage from natural disasters, while standard homeowner’s insurance might cover issues like burst pipes.
How can I prevent future basement flooding? Preventative measures include installing a sump pump with a backup system, sealing foundation cracks, ensuring proper yard grading, and maintaining gutters and downspouts.
Conclusion
A flooded basement can be overwhelming, but taking the right steps can mitigate damage and speed up recovery. By acting quickly and enlisting the help of professionals like ERX, you can restore your home and protect it from future flooding. Contact us today to learn more about our water damage restoration services and how we can assist you in your time of need.