What to Do Immediately After a Basement Flood

With most Americans spending over $3,000 each year on home improvements, you’re probably not eager to add to that total. But if you encounter basement flooding, you need to act quickly to avoid incurring a big cost. What should you do when you see water in your lower level?

Stick around to learn how to handle a basement flood!

Protect Yourself and Your Belongings

If you’re dealing with sewage water flooding your basement, you don’t want to touch it. Ensure that you’re wearing old boots to avoid contact between the water and your skin. Wear gloves and eye protection if you need to unclog a drain, and consider wearing a mask, as well.

You also need to protect your belongings. Grab any furniture that you’re hoping to preserve. After all, you don’t want water to damage wood or cause upholstered furniture to smell.

Find the Source of Basement Flooding

Once you’re geared up, try to locate the source of the problem. You may notice water streaming in through a leaky casement window during a storm. Or you may see that your floor drain is backed up.

Cracks in your foundation can be an easy entrypoint for excessive rain water. And if you have a malfunctioning sump pump, that could be letting water pool in your basement, too.

Remove as Much Water as Possible

A flooding basement can cause more structural damage if you let the water sit. Standing water invites pests and bacteria, and it can cause mold on walls, floors, and even the ceiling. You need to move quickly to remove water.

Use buckets to carry water outside, and dump it away from your foundation. You can use a wet-dry vacuum, too, for an efficient way to suck out the water. Or try mopping water toward a floor drain if it’s not clogged.

Be careful if you have any electronic items when dealing with basement flooding. Ideally, you should unplug those at the first sign of water.

Dry and Sanitize the Space

Once you’ve removed the water and the flooding has stopped, use industrial fans to dry the space. You may need a dehumidifier, too, to avoid mold growth. For sewer water or standing water, professional cleaners may be the best option to sanitize the space and remove lingering odors.

And ultimately you’ll want to end up with a waterproof basement. Turn to Thewaterproofgroup.com for help. They can assess your foundation and recommend repairs to help you avoid future flooded basement situations.

Plus your insurance policy may help cover the cost to get basement waterproofing. Reach out to them to file a claim and learn what your deductible is.

Learn How to Handle a Basement Flood

When you’re dealing with a basement flood, it’s critical to stay calm — and act quickly! Remove your most important belongings and try to find the source of the flooding. Then work to remove water and contact your insurance company for help.

For more tips to manage a flooded basement, check back soon for new articles.