Basement flooding is a common concern in seasons of heavy rain. As we’ve witnessed in the past with tragic hurricanes, it is vital to do as much as we can to prevent maximum damage from flooding. Obviously, in extreme instances, there are factors beyond control and comprehension. Our goal is to prepare you for basement floods to ensure you know the various ways to respond.
Some flooding issues are simply too big for you to prepare for and need immediate attention by an emergency plumber and professional flood services. However, there are some steps you can take to reduce the amount of water damage in your basement and save money.
What to Do When Your Basement Floods
Turn Off the Electricity & Power in the Area
As soon as you see you have basement flooding, turn off any and all power in the area. Currents from submerged electronics pose threats to you and your family. It’s best to do all you can to stay out of the water, but if the basement flood is not due to rainfall you will need to inspect the source. Put on gloves and boots to protect yourself.
Perform an Inspection For a Burst Pipe or Clogged Drain
Two sources of basement floods that are easy to detect are clogged drains and cracked water pipes. If the source of the flood is a burst pipe, immediately turn off your water in your basement. A clogged drain in your basement may require heavy duty equipment if this isn’t a recurring problem you’ve been taught to fix. To prevent further backflow, a complex clogged drain and basement flood should be handled immediately by a professional.
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Start Removing Excess Water
If the basement flooding is not due to rainfall, start removing the water. Having a proper, functioning sump pump system is worth every penny in these situations. Sump pumps are engineered to “pump” water in the surrounding area out of the house with a drain. Even if you do have a sump pump, you can use another vacuum to absorb water in hard-to-reach areas or areas it couldn’t cover. Other than those methods, you may need to use a mop and bucket to resolve the flood. You can also soak up remaining water with cloths, rags, and sponges. We recommend reaching out to a professional plumber at Stephens Plumbing to receive assistance with sump pump repair and installation projects.
Remove Damaged Items From the Water
Move wet or damaged possessions from the basement flood to a well-ventilated area and allow them to dry. The longer you wait to dry out valuable items, the more vulnerable they become to mold and mildew. Belongings that are already showing mold damage should be discarded. It can be tempting (and understandable) to cling to sentimental items even if they are beyond repair. Whether to keep them or not is ultimately at your discretion, but if they are decayed severely, there are associated health risks to keep in mind. Use anti-mold spray to target fungus on the spot.
Objects are not the only elements that can be damaged. If you have carpeting in your basement, you will most likely have to rip it up in the event of intense flooding. Water can seep through the carpet and harm the flooring underneath if left soaking.
Give Your Basement at Least a Couple Days to Dry
Open all doors and windows and turn on fans to move the drying process along as much as you can. Raised airflow will also promote circulation of healthy air, which is important when you’re dealing with increased amounts allergens from the flooding (mold and mildew). Dehumidifiers can also be used to remove excess moisture from the air in your basement.
Once your basement is dry, wash all your surfaces thoroughly however you see fit. You may want to hire a professional cleaning crew specializing in this kind of cleanup to help sanitize your basement.
Report the Flood to Your Insurance Company
Find some time - amidst the chaos of piecing your basement together - to contact your home insurer to confirm your coverage. Easier said than done, we know, but the sooner you can get back on the mend the better. It’s also a good idea to get an inspection by a professional plumber to make sure there are no glaring problems in the aftermath. If you need assistance responding to a basement flood, give our team a call at (630) 968-0783 to schedule an appointment with our team of emergency plumbers. Our team of technicians offers various types of plumbing repair services such as sump pump repair, garbage disposal installation, water heater repair, drain cleaning, and water line installation. Our staff have the tools and equipment necessary to fix or replace your malfunctioning sump pump.