When Disaster Strikes: Five Steps to Take After Your Basement Floods

February 12th, 2018

When Disaster Strikes: Five Steps to Take After Your Basement Floods

Customers frequently contact us after discovering water drainage problems. What steps should you take immediately if water begins pooling in your home’s basement? Unfortunately, this type of emergency sometimes occurs with little warning. Consider following these guidelines during the aftermath of a home flood:

Basement Floods

One: Think Safety First!

If your basement begins flooding, you’ll want to make the safety of yourself and your loved ones your top priority. Water collecting inside a residence potentially causes many problems. Make sure you evacuate your household members and your pets from the basement.

If necessary, you may need to contact emergency services in this potentially dangerous situation. Pay especially close attention to electricity and electrical outlets in the basement; water in contact with electricity can cause serious injuries because it will transmit an electrical charge. In fact, wet electrical wires sometimes start house fires! So even if the water pooling in the lower level of the residence does not appear life-threatening, you’ll want to proceed cautiously. Try and avoid allowing anyone to come into contact with the water as you evacuate your basement.

Two: Evaluate The Scope of The Problem

It usually makes sense during the initial phase of addressing a flooded home to prevent electricity from entering the basement. An electrician can help you perform this task safely. Also, especially if you have not yet ascertained the source of leaking water, you’ll find it helpful to shut off the water to your residence until you can assess the extent of damage. Most houses contain a shut-off valve accessible from the yard.

After ensuring electricity and water can’t impact anyone in the basement, take a flashlight or hand-held lantern and evaluate the water level. Is the water still rising after you’ve closed the emergency valve? Under no circumstances should you wade into a flood! If leaking water in the basement rises above ankle level, you’ll want to speak with your local municipal sewer department about the best way to remove this wastewater. Follow their instructions. Then contact your insurance agent. Although in many cases homeowner’s policies won’t cover flood damage, in some situations you may obtain assistance. If you enjoy coverage, you’ll likely need to document the extent of the losses for your agent. Make that phone call before initiating a cleanup!

Three: Obtain Effective Water Cleanup

In many cases, resolving a basement flood simply involves allowing pooled water to flow out through an existing floor drain. If your basement lacks this feature, you may find it useful to hire a water damage restoration company to help you clean the premises. These types of firms specialize in sanitizing and restoring homes and businesses following severe flooding. They use specialized equipment to sop up large quantities of water and dry out personal belongings correctly.

Extended damp conditions in flooded basements allow mold and mildew to flourish. You’ll want to take appropriate action to ensure you completely dry and clean any belongings and household surfaces impacted by the water. (If your insurance coverage provides assistance in this situation, follow your insurer’s directions in regard to the clean up process.)

Four: Seek Basement Waterproofing Assistance

After you’ve removed the pooled water and cleaned the premises, you’ll want to take action to prevent a recurrence of flooding, if possible. Many homeowners benefit by seeking experienced professional waterproofing assistance at this point. The company you hire will inspect and evaluate the conditions in your basement. Ask the firm to provide detailed recommendations for useful improvements.

This list may include installing an interior drain system, floor drains, sump pump, or possibly modifying landscaping features. For instance, your expert may suggest installing a French Drain in the yard to help prevent water pooling near the home. Today a variety of useful tools assist waterproofing. Implementing these measures helps protect residential basements and foundations.

Five: Correct Underlying Causes of Water Damage

Homeowners should consider taking action promptly to obtain dry basements. Flooded basements sometimes create significant hazards. In many situations, waterproofing proves surprisingly affordable!

If you’ve encountered flooding in your home in the past, you may find it helpful to confer with your insurance company and your mortgage company. Inquire about the best ways to finance comprehensive waterproofing. Often drawing up a written proposal for implementing waterproofing recommendations and attaching supporting documentation proves useful when discussing this issue with lenders.

Waterproofing Services

When you require assistance obtaining a dry basement or sealed crawl space in Raleigh, Southern Pines, or Fayetteville area, consider contacting Drainage & Waterproofing Solution,LLC” for fast, experienced service. We help homeowners and businesses implement effective solutions for drainage and waterproofing problems. Our company offers free quotes. Contact us at 919-235-5219 for assistance. We look forward to helping you!

Useful Information:

1. https://www.hunker.com/12487258/what-happens-when-electrical-wiring-gets-wet