It’s terrible to be caught in flood waters after a storm. When you return, you could significantly damage your home’s roof, windows, and structure. In many cases, hundreds of liters of water might flood your house due to storm surges or broken water mains, ruining everything in its path. The causes of basement flooding and the steps to take if you encounter one are discussed in this concise guide.
Turn off the power.
If your home’s circuit breaker is not in the basement, you must turn off the power. When exposed to water, electrical and electronic devices can become dangerous. Most homes have their circuit breakers in easily accessible places like the garage. Fuse boxes sometimes might be found close to the meter in older homes.
Drain the water.
First, remove anything possibly dangerous, such as electronics, and then drain the water so you can evaluate the situation. A new sump pump is essential if your basement frequently floods. A pump won’t be able to get rid of all the water in your basement, so you’ll need to use a mop and some towels to dry it out.
If you find water in your basement that is over two feet deep, call a Lowell, AR certified restoration firm for help instead of trying to do it yourself. Quick, get rid of the water. If given the right conditions, mold may rapidly multiply and cause substantial structural damage anywhere it finds water.
Deal with your damp goods.
If you want to get your basement completely dry, you can’t afford to leave anything damp behind. Take all the soaked furniture and books to the garage or another dry area. Items, basement repairs, and mold remediation should all be covered by insurance. Submit your insurance claim as soon as possible after the flood.
Rip up the soggy carpet and throw away the wet furnishings. Even if the carpet can be saved, the padding underneath it almost always needs to be replaced.
Dry out the area.
There is no natural way for your basement to dry out. Fans and industrial blowers are likely items you’ll need for water damage remediation. A dehumidifier can help eliminate the extra moisture, hasten the drying process, and lessen the likelihood of mold growth. You can get everything you need to fix up your cellar from Safeguarding Restoration.
Take preventative measures to avoid mold growth.
Generally speaking, mold grows best in dark, wet places. After a flood, you may have to tear down pieces of drywall if mold has grown there. Use soap with warm water to clean your walls thoroughly.
Along with your dehumidifier and blowers, you can also utilize a HEPA air purifier to remove mold spores and allergens from the air. Mold growth in the basement should be checked daily after the flood. Bleach and warm water should be used to disinfect any questionable areas.
Take preventative measures to avoid future floods.
After the water has subsided, it’s important to investigate its origins. Is the water in your basement the result of a flood in your yard brought on by a recent storm? Could you tell me if your foundation has any holes? Does the sump pump need to be replaced? Get professional advice on preventing future flooding by renovating your basement, fixing your foundation, or adjusting your landscaping and gutters.
Conclusion
After the damage has been fixed, you certainly won’t want a repeat catastrophe, but the question remains: what went wrong? Having a professional take care of the damage can help you figure out what to do next. Does the sump pump need to be repaired or replaced? It’s also possible that the problem is more fundamental and affects the structure as a whole. There’s a good chance that the landscaping outside is what’s causing water to seep into your basement during storms. The problem won’t go away unless its root causes are fixed.
