What To Do When Your Basement Floods

Basement flooding can happen anytime. Flooding in a basement mostly occurs in spring, when it rains heavily or snow starts to melt. It can also occur during dry weather because of unexpected blockages in the sewer system. Basements can be prone to flooding because they are, by its definition, located at the lowest part of a building, commonly partly or entirely below ground level.

As a king or queen of home maintenance, meaning you are in charge of cleaning and maintaining your home, you may get panic with this unexpected event in your home. But fear not, we are here to help. We have outlined the things that you should do when you notice flooding in your basement and some preventative tips for future flooding.

If your basement has flooded, keep reading to know these restoration tips.

What To Do First?

First, shut off power supply. Basement flooding can do more than property damage. It can pose a threat to you and your family. Electrical wires, including electrical appliances and devices, can become dangerous when they come in contact with water. Thus, before entering your basement make sure to turn off any power sources associated in your basement. Or, you may contact an electrician if you are unsure how to turn off the power supply in your basement.

Then, find the source of the water. If flooding is caused by heavy rain or storm water, wait until it has passed before getting started. But, if the cause of the flooding is something else, like a burst water pipe in your home, shut off the main water supply valve.

How To Clean Up Flooded Basement

Remove The Water From Your Basement

Once your basement poses no harm like electrocution, you can start removing the water. Use a sump pump, a pool pump or a wet/dry vacuum to suck up the water and a mop or towels to clean up the remaining water.

It is important to remove the water as quickly as you can. Damp environment, like a flooded basement, can be a perfect place for mold to grow and thrive.

Move Your Damaged Items Out Of Your Basement

To effectively dry your basement, remove everything that got wet, and place them in a well-ventilated area. If it is sunny outside, you may place them somewhere they can easily be dried out. Remove them as soon as possible and allow your items to dry out for about 24 hours. If they remain wet after that, it may be best to discard them to prevent mold and mildew growth. Cardboard boxes should be discarded immediately as they are especially susceptible to bacterial infestation.

If you have carpet in your basement, make sure to rip it out immediately to properly dry out the floor underneath. If the carpet has been soaked up from the water for more than 24 hours, it should be thrown away.

Dry Out Your Basement

Allow your basement to dry for several days. Open doors and windows for proper ventilation and set up fans or industrial blowers inside your basement to increase air circulation and speed up the drying process. You can also place dehumidifiers to remove excess moisture and prevent mold growth.

Clean and Disinfect The Area

After you have completely dried out everything, clean and disinfect basement contents and structure like walls, drywall, foundation floor, and others. Do not use bleach as bleach only kills live mold, not mold spores. Instead, use regular detergent. Remove and replace damaged drywall, wood, and insulation to prevent existing mold from spreading.

How To Prevent Basement Flooding

Take some steps to prevent future basement flooding.

• Make sure that your gutter and downspouts are clean and free from any debris.
• Direct downspouts at least five feet away from your home to prevent water pooling around the edges.
• Regularly check the landscaping surrounding your property. Make sure the ground slopes away from your foundation.
• Install a sump pump that automatically redirects the water from your basement.
• Inspect trees that are close to your home as the roots can cause basement flooding if they break the foundation of your property and crack.
• Seal cracks and openings in the foundation, floors, walls, and windows of your house.
• Make sure that the drainage system in your basement is clear and unclogged.
• Regularly check plumbing pipes to ensure they are in good condition.

Ask Help From Temecula Water Damage Restoration Experts

When flood cleanup seems difficult to tackle, it is best to ask help from a water damage specialist.

Water Damage Temecula of Superior Restoration provides cleanup and water damage restoration services in the entire area of Temecula. We are available 24/7 and our team of trusted and certified professionals are ready to provide the best cleanup and restoration in any kind of basement flooding situation. Call 951-221-8265 today to get started.