98 percent of basements in the U.S. will suffer water damage at least once in their lifetime.
A flooded basement is caused by a leak in the foundation, which can be caused by soggy ground around your home, or it could be due to faulty plumbing. It is, therefore, important that you check for water damage regularly near the base of your home.
If your basement flooded recently, here are some things you can do to mitigate damages and quickly deal with the issue:
Cut Off the Power Supply To the Basement
When you experience basement floods, the first thing to do is deal with safety matters.
Water in the basement is an electrical hazard for house occupants and should be eliminated immediately. If you can access the circuit breaker, turn off the supply. If you’re unable, call in an electrician immediately.
Any electronic component that has come into contact with water is risky to use. So, ensure that the electrician checks everything before you can restore the power supply.
Pump Out the Water
After you’ve ensured your safety, it’s time to focus on water removal.
You must remove as much excess water from the basement as possible. This will prevent mold growth and make any miscellaneous cleanup easier in the long run. If you don’t have a sump pump, call in an emergency plumber immediately.
Remove Damp Items From Your Basement
You should remove all damp items such as books and papers from the basement. These can be placed in plastic bags or other water-resistant containers.
Also, don’t forget to move valuable electronics to higher ground.
Wipe Away Dirt and Grime with a Wet Vacuum Cleaner
If you have a wet vacuum cleaner, use this equipment to lift away dirt and grime that may have accumulated on your flooring after the flooding incident.
Do not use any cleaning products while you are doing this because they could react with the water and cause additional damage to your belongings in the basement.
Begin Repairs Immediately After You’ve Pumped Out Water
If you’ve managed to remove excess water from the basement relatively quickly, then you should begin repairs for flood prevention.
If there are cracks in your foundation, seek an emergency foundation repair service immediately. This will prevent more water damage and other problems with your home’s structural integrity.
Call in Mold Removal Services There Is Mold in the Basement
If you see mold in your basement after a flooding incident, do not attempt to remove it. This is because mold remediation requires specialized equipment and techniques and could further damage your property.
You can call upon local cleaning and restoration services instead to mitigate potential damage and give your home back its former glory.
Call Your Home Warranty Provider
If your home warranty provider covers flooding incidents, be sure to get in touch with them immediately. You may have many things to worry about, but if you are insured for flooding damages, there’s no need to fret.
If this is news to you, kindly read this guide: Home Warranties: How Much & How to Choose.
Learn How To Deal With Flooded Basement
Flooding may be an aggravating occurrence, but you can take steps to limit damage in your home. If you’re proactive about the situation, you can quickly minimize any damage and get back on track with life.
We hope that this article will help you deal with a flooded basement. If you want to read more interesting content, keep browsing our blog.