Flood damage has quadrupled over the past few years with almost every American county reporting a flooding event in recent times. And as the climate continues to change, the frequency and severity of these events will continue rising.
So what do you do if your basement floods?
First, don’t panic! It’s important to take a deep breath and assess the situation. Flooding is caused by many different methods and it will be important to identify the source before anything else happens. Here’s a rundown of what to do if you found your basement flooded.
Why Did My Basement Flood?
A flooded basement is one of the most common and costly problems a homeowner can face. There are several reasons why your basement may have flooded, but the most common culprit is faulty plumbing.
Burst pipes or leaky valves can quickly cause water to build up in your basement. Another possible cause is insufficient drainage around your foundation. If water isn’t able to properly drain away from your home, it can seep through cracks in your foundation and cause flooding.
Additionally, flooded basements can also be caused by broken windows or clogged gutters. By taking measures to prevent these issues, you can help keep your basement dry and flood-free.
There are several steps to take once your basement becomes flooded here are a few things to do/ check for.
Wear Protective Gear
When a basement floods, it is important to wear protective gear to avoid coming in contact with contaminated water.
In addition to being unsightly, flooded basements can pose a serious health risk. Floodwaters can contain sewage and other harmful contaminants, which can cause skin irritations, infections, and gastrointestinal illnesses.
Furthermore, standing water in a flooded basement creates the perfect conditions for mold and mildew growth. Mold spores can cause respiratory problems, and some types of mold can release toxins that can be harmful to your health.
To protect yourself from these dangers, always wear gloves, a respirator, and protective clothing when cleaning up a flooded basement.
Shut Off Power to the Area
If your basement is flooded, shut off power to the area. This is a safety precaution as floodwaters can pose an electrocution risk. If possible, shut off power at the breaker box.
If you can’t access the breaker box or if there is standing water around it, call your utility company to have them shut off power to your home from the outside.
Remove Any Standing Water
Once the power is off, it’s time to start removing any standing water in the basement. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or by mopping up the water with rags. Be sure to wring out the rags into another bucket as you go.
If the flooding is severe, you may need to call in professional help to remove the water.
Identify the Source
The next step is to identify the source of the water. You’ll need to know whether it’s coming from an internal or external source. There could be multiple sources, so it’s important to do a thorough check.
The flood could have been caused by a faulty pipe, a poorly sealed or damaged window, or improper drainage. If you have a floor drain check to see if it has become clogged.
Stop the Water Flow
Once you know where the water is coming from, take steps to stop the flow. This may mean turning off the water main or fixing a burst pipe.
If the source of the water is a faulty window, you’ll need to repair or replace the window as soon as possible.
If the drain is clogged you’ll need to go ahead and check to see what is causing the water build-up
Clean Up
After the water has been removed, it’s time to start cleaning up. Throw away any flooded items that can’t be salvaged and start drying out wet items as soon as possible.
Move wet furniture and other equipment to a dry place. Even with the power, turned off do not attempt to move electronics. Call in a professional to prevent any unwanted accidents
You’ll also want to disinfect everything that got wet to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Inspect for Damage
After the water has been removed, take a look around the basement to see if there is any damage. Check for warped floors, cracked walls, and collapsed ceilings.
If you find any damage, it’s important to have it repaired as soon as possible to prevent further damage from occurring.
Report That Your Basement Flooded to Your Insurance Provider
It is important to report the flooding to your insurance provider as soon as possible. Basement floods can cause a great deal of damage to your home, and your insurance policy may cover some or all of the cost of repairing the damage.
In order to receive compensation, you will need to file a claim with your insurance company. In order to do so, you will need to provide documentation of the flood, such as photos or videos. You will also need to provide an estimate of the damage caused by the flood.
Once you have filed a claim, your insurance company will send an adjuster to inspect the damage and determine how much they are willing to pay for repairs. If you are not satisfied with the adjuster’s decision, you can appeal the decision or negotiate a higher settlement.
Prevent Future Flooding
Once your basement is dry, it’s important to take steps to prevent future flooding. Installing a sump pump or a backup power system for your pump can help, as can waterproofing your basement or installing a drainage system.
If your basement floods, you need to take immediate action. Not only is the water a breeding ground for mold and bacteria, but it can also cause extensive damage to your home’s foundation.
Hire a Professional Basement Waterproofing Company
If your basement flooded and you’ve dealt with all this, you’re ready to make sure it doesn’t happen again.
One way to deal with a flooded basement is to hire a professional basement waterproofing company like Armored Basement Waterproofing. We have the experience and equipment necessary to get this job done right. Hire the preferred choice for basement waterproofing in Baltimore, Rockville & Arlington, VA.
Waterproofing your basement is an important step in keeping your home safe from water damage. This ensures that your basement is protected should another flood occur. Contact us now to schedule a free consultation.
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