Have you ever wondered what it would be like to wake up to a flooded basement?
Unfortunately, during certain weather conditions, there is a good chance that your basement will flood. The good news is that there are steps you can take to prevent it. By preparing yourself, you can act fast once it happens and keep your home from becoming a disaster.
This article will explain to you what steps you should take when your basement floods. Read on to learn more.
Identify the Source of the Water
Start by checking the drainage systems in your home, including the rain gutters, downspouts, and sump pumps that direct rainwater away from your foundation. Inspect your sump pump to make sure it’s working properly.
If the sump pump has been running nonstop, the discharge pipe could be frozen or clogged. If the floodwater is coming in from a natural source, such as a river or stream, check the terrain outside your home for any blockages or surfaces that have become saturated.
Assess the Severity of the Flooding
The next thing you should do if your basement floods is to assess the severity of the flooding. You’ll need to inspect the entire area to see the extent of damage, check for the source of the flooding, and determine the best approach to resolving the issue.
Take photographs, mark water lines, and make notes of your observations to use in any homeowners insurance claim you may need to make. Consider if the flood damage requires a specialized pump or if the water can be removed with towels, buckets, or shop vacuums.
Pump Out the Water
First, unplug any electrical items from the wall outlets, and disconnect any gas appliances in the area, such as dryers and furnaces. Once you’ve ensured that the area is safe, you can begin to pump out the water.
Position the pump to deliver the water to an area away from the house or to a city sewer. Make sure to keep track of how much water is being removed and from which areas. Make sure the basement is completely dry before you attempt to plug any electrical items back in.
Remove Wet Items
This will help reduce the risk of any serious water damage to the structure of your home damage. All furniture, boxes, carpets, rugs, clothing, mattresses, and other belongings should be moved to a dry area.
If any wet items, like carpets, rugs, books, etc., have been soaked, they should be removed to a dry area as soon as possible and allowed to air dry. The items will need to be dried slowly, away from direct heat or sunlight.
Hire Professional Water Remediation Services
Water remediation services can remove water-soaked porous materials such as insulation, drywall, flooring, and furniture, perform water extraction, and dry the basement using dehumidifiers and air movers.
Additionally, these services can work with you to create a comprehensive plan that meets your needs in terms of budget and timeline. Professional water remediation services can also advise you on prevention in the future and help you determine what type of protective measures you should take to avoid further flooding.
These Are Things to Do After a Flooded Basement
In conclusion, when experiencing a flooded basement, taking action immediately is essential. Time is of the essence in this situation, so do not hesitate to call a professional or take steps to mitigate the damage.
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