Key Takeaways:
- A flood – for e.g., after a hurricane – can wreak havoc in your basement.
- Extensive water can ruin your valuables and even cause structural damage.
- You can, however, limit flooding or hurricane damage by taking preventive measures.
- This involves making quick decisions once your place is under the weather.
- Hiring a professional property restoration team makes dealing with flooded basements easier.
Fear, anxiety, and frustration are all common reactions when your home transforms into a water park. But don’t worry – we’re here to help. This post outlines steps to take if your basement floods and provides tips for cleaning up everything as quickly as possible. So read on, and remember that you’re not alone in this mess!
How to Deal with a Flooded Basement
Flash floods, heavy rains, sewage backups, and faulty appliances can cause flooding in your basement. No matter the cause, a flooded basement causes significant pain. In addition to causing water damage and creating the perfect environment for mold growth, a flooded basement can also lead to dangerous electrical shorts and make your home uninhabitable. If you are facing such a situation, here are a few things you should do to mitigate the damage.
1. Assess the Situation
Firstly, assess the situation. If the water rises quickly or is already above your ankles, you’ll need to evacuate immediately and call for help. If the water is a few inches deep and isn’t rising, you may be able to start handling the cleanup yourself. However, if you doubt your ability to clean up the mess safely, it’s always better to take caution and call professional help.
2. Shut Off the Power
If the water in your basement is only a few inches deep, you may be tempted to start bailing it out. However, you must shut off the power to your basement before anything else. Water and electricity don’t mix, so it’s vital to deactivate all exposed electrical circuits before you do anything else. You can remove water using a sump pump or a wet/dry vacuum only when there’s no power.
3. Clean Everything Up
After water removal, it’s time to start cleaning up. Throw out carpeting or porous materials, as they are difficult (if not impossible) to salvage. You can clean and disinfect non-porous materials such as metal shelves or plastic storage containers with bleach. Be sure to ventilate your basement well while cleaning, as bleach fumes can be harmful if inhaled in large quantities.
4. Prevent Further Damage
Once your basement is clean and dry, take steps to prevent further damage in case of another flood. Install check valves on your drains to prevent water from backing up in your home. Consider installing an emergency sump pump that automatically kicks on if flooding occurs. And most importantly, make sure that any cracks or gaps in your foundation are repaired so that water can’t seep in the next time there is heavy rain or a flash flood warning in effect.
Why You Should Not Go for Temporary Repairs – Post-Basement-Flooding
After such an incident, it is only natural for a homeowner to want to get the basement repaired as soon as possible. However, going for temporary repairs is not always the best option. Here’s why you should not go for temporary repairs after your basement has flooded.
- Temporary repairs are just that – temporary. They are not permanent solutions and will only last for a short period. This means you will have to spend more money in the long run because you will have to keep getting the repairs done every few months.
- Temporary repairs are not as effective as permanent ones. This is because they are not designed to withstand heavy wear and tear. They are also not carried out with high-quality materials, so they can easily break or break apart.
- Temporary repairs can make the problem worse. If you do not opt for proper repairs, the basement will likely start to leak again. This can cause even more damage to your home and belongings.
- Temporary repairs can be a health hazard. If the materials used for the repairs are not up to par, they could release harmful toxins into the air. The toxins can be dangerous for you and your family, especially if someone has asthma or another respiratory condition.
- Finally, temporary repairs can be very stressful. Having to worry about your basement flooding constantly can take a toll on your mental health and well-being. It is better to bite the bullet and fix the problem permanently so you can have peace of mind.
Also, Read – Steps to Identifying Water Damage to Your Place
How Does a Professional Restoration Service Help with Basement Flooding?
Calling a professional restoration service is the best way to ensure that your basement is cleaned and repaired properly. Here’s a look at how a professional restoration service can help with basement flooding.
Drying Out Your Basement
The first thing a professional restoration service will do is help you dry out your basement. Professional water damage experts will bring in industrial fans and dehumidifiers to remove the water from your basement and prevent mold and mildew from growing. The team will also repair any damage to your walls, floors, and ceilings.
Cleaning Up the Mess
Once your basement is dry, cleaning up the mess is next. A professional restoration service will remove all the water-damaged items from your basement and dispose of them properly. The team will also clean and disinfect all the surfaces in your basement to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Preventing Future Flooding
Professional restoration services are renowned for offering permanent solutions. The team will work to restore all structural damage and ensure your home is not vulnerable to flooding again.
Given the recent damage from Ian in Florida, property owners around Texas need to take pre-emptive measures and draft an emergency plan to mitigate risks associated with natural disasters.
This guide lists down a few steps you can take to minimize the damage and get your property back to normal as quickly as possible.
RKG Roofing and Construction, a premier restoration company, can help restore your space after flood damage. We have extensive experience restoring properties damaged by water in Fort Worth, TX, and we know how to get the job done right.
Get a free estimate from our team today, and let us help you get your life back on track.
