Going down the stairs to find out your basement is full of water is never a good feeling. Most people store their family heirlooms, decorations, extra stuff in their basement because they want to keep everything safe, so it is so devastating to have those things ruined.
Some basements are finished as family rooms, man caves or kid’s playroom with a lot of items that just cannot be used after water damage. There is so much work that needs to be done for your basement to be a safe, clean area again. There is also the hassle and expense of correcting the problem that caused the flooding.
Common Reasons Basements Flood
Even though the basement is known for flooding, there are reasons that typically cause this saturation to occur. The main reason is that there is a leak somewhere, here are the main areas that cause leaks:
- Plumbing: Anything from a leaking water tank to a busted water pipe. Any broken water supply line can lead to a flooded basement.
- Windows: These are weak areas that allow for leaks. Water can drip in or even pour in near windows due to your yard flooding and gutters being clogged.
- Foundation: There are multiple reasons your foundation is the cause of the flood. It could be from excessive rain, melted snow, pool drain issues, or sewer backups are common reasons.
Preventative Measures
It is always good to take control of a situation before it even happens.
Some preventive measures you can take are making sure your gutters are cleaned, the rain downspouts are away from the foundation, and have a sump pump installed. Nothing can stop mother nature from cause natural disaster such as flooding so there is really no guarantee that you will never have to deal with a flood, but taking preventative actions, you can reduce the chance that you will have flooding issues.
When to take Action in the Event of a Flood
You should never go in your flooded basement if it is caused by the weather. If flooding is because of rainfall, you should go to a safe place using your family flood safety plan.
If the flood is from a busted pipe or another common issue, then take action immediately.
Actions to take when your Basement Floods
- Shut off Power: Always make sure all electricity and gas are turned off before walking into the water.
- Wear Protective Gear: Tall rain boots and gloves are a must when cleaning up after a flood.
- Find the Entry Point: If it’s due to a busted pipe then shut off the water.
- Check your Basement Drain: Keep it clear so water can escape there.
- Remove Water: A sump pump wet vacuum or mop and bucket will be needed to clear out the water.
- Dry Things Out: For items that can be salvaged, they will need to dry out somewhere other than the damp basement.
- Trash: Discard the items that have too much damage or may grow mold or mildew.
- Flooring: If you have carpet it is usually best to rip it out because mold is likely to grow beneath it if it isn’t dried out in a timely manner.
- Vent: Allow a good airflow to dry out your basement for at least two days. A dehumidify will be helpful for this process.
- Sanitize: Wash everything down to prevent mold from spreading and clean up dirt left behind. Use anti-mildew spray to prevent mildew from developing.
- Call your insurance if you have flood insurance to see what they cover and file a claim.
- Call a professional. Having a plumber, contractor, waterproofing company examine the basement may be the best solution. A professional will be able to get your home back to a safe zone. They will also be able to help figure out the problem and fix it.
Follow these steps and get your basement the help it needs!
For plumbing issues contact Assured Comfort or click below to set an appointment up today!