My Basement is Flooded! What steps should I take?

6/7/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding in a Basement

1. Practice Caution

First and foremost, make sure that it’s safe to step into the basement. If there are electrical appliances, or if the water has risen above the electrical outlets, it isn’t safe to even touch the water; an electrical current will be traveling through the water. Cut the power off at the main breaker if you can safely reach it.

2. Investigate for Water Source

There are numerous possible causes of excessive water in the basement. The source may not be immediately apparent; it could be a burst pipe, heavy rainfall, foundation cracks or a sewer backup.

3. Dry Affected Area

A wet/dry vacuum comes in very useful for removing standing water and small bits of debris. Once the standing water is eliminated, open windows and doors and run fans. Dehumidifiers can also be a valuable resource to use for a basement flood since basements are often poorly ventilated.

4. Discard Unsalvageable Materials

There will probably be materials that you wouldn’t expect to be deemed unsalvageable from a flooded basement. These could include drywall, carpet, wooden furniture and other porous materials. Any porous items that can’t be fully dried within 48 hours usually need to be discarded as it’s likely mold has already begun to grow.

5. Contact Professionals

Cleanup professionals will need to come to clean up and restore the major damage. Mold can begin to grow within 24 hours of the introduction to moisture. The professionals will make sure everything is dried and cleaned thoroughly and will return your home to its preloss condition.
A basement flood can result in large cleanup and restoration bills. Be sure to contact your insurance company to determine the extent of your insurance coverage.

We are available to help you any time of day or night. Call us at 423-245-5552