Whether from severe weather or house water systems failure, flooded basements can be a major problem for homeowners. Taking the right steps can help minimize damage and save you money in the long run.
First, be sure to shut off any power around the area. It’s also important to wear appropriate PPE if you need to enter a flooded space. Contact Flooding Colorado Springs for more details.
1. Turn Off the Power
Heavy rain and flooding can cause many problems in a home. If your basement is prone to flooding, it’s important to have a waterproofing company install a sump pump and preventative measures. You can also install water sensors around the pump to help you keep an eye on it. Before a storm hits, you can test your sump pump by pouring some water into it. If it’s not evacuating the water quickly enough, you may need to hire a professional to check the condition of your sump pump and possibly install a new one.
It’s important to make sure the electricity is turned off in a flooded basement. This can prevent electrical shocks and minimize damage caused by water. If you’re unable to reach the breaker box safely, call an electrician right away. You should also stay away from the flood waters, as they may contain dangerous bacteria and can contaminate your belongings.
If your basement is flooded, you should turn off your gas as well. This is especially important if you have natural gas appliances such as your water heater or furnace. A professional can assist you by turning off the gas supply safely and temporarily for you.
After ensuring the power and gas are turned off, you should remove as much of the standing water as possible. Utility pumps and wet vacuums can be helpful tools for removing water from your basement floor. It’s also important to document any damage that you can so that you have a record for your insurance company.
Depending on the amount of water in your basement and whether it’s contaminated, you may need to contact a property restoration company to clean and disinfect your space. They will use the appropriate personal protective equipment, specialized cleaning products and safe containment methods to ensure that your basement is free of mold and mildew after a flood.
It’s a good idea to contact a property restoration company even for minor basement flooding that only involves clean water. They can help you determine what caused the flood and recommend solutions for preventing future issues.
2. Remove Debris
The amount of debris that has accumulated in your basement after the flood will have a significant impact on how long it takes for the space to dry. If you have the ability to move things from your basement and keep them out of the way, it will speed up drying time by allowing air circulation and reducing humidity levels. If your basement has a floor drain, check that it hasn’t been clogged during the flood, and keep it clear to help the water flow out of the basement faster.
If you have a sump pump, locate it in the lowest part of your basement and make sure that it is working properly. During a flood, the sump pump works by taking excess below-ground water and directing it away from your home, preventing it from seeping back into your basement and other parts of the house. Investing in a new sump pump or maintaining your current one will help you save money on costly repairs and cleanup expenses.
It is important to remove all items that are salvageable from the flooded area as quickly as possible. This will help prevent mold from forming and reduce the risk of structural damage to your home. Items that have come into contact with flood water should be washed, disinfected and let dry in a well-ventilated area.
For items that can’t be washed, such as rugs, foam rubber mattresses and pillows, it is best to discard them instead of trying to clean them. If you are unsure whether an item can be saved, consult with a property restoration professional before making a decision.
In addition to minimizing mold and mildew growth, removing debris from your basement will help you find any areas that are prone to flooding in the future. Standing water, mold stains and foundation cracks can all be signs of a flooded basement. If you notice any of these issues, be proactive and call a third party contractor that is trained in cleaning, sanitizing and deodorizing from this type of damage. They can also provide information on updating, making improvements or repairs to your home that could prevent future flooding.
3. Contact Your Insurance Company
When it comes to your home insurance policy, you should promptly contact your agent to arrange a time for a claims adjuster to visit. You will want the adjuster to see the damage firsthand so that he or she can accurately assess your losses and make an informed decision about how much of a settlement is owed.
If your basement has a sump pump, it may help to turn that on before you call the insurance company so that the pump can start working on its own and remove some of the water. However, if you notice that the pump isn’t working or that it isn’t sucking out as much water as it should be, it is probably best to consult a professional restoration company.
It’s also important to survey the damage and take photos. You should write down a list of all items damaged in the flood and include their value. If you have any valuable antiques or family heirlooms, it is especially helpful to have a professional provide an estimate of their value.
You should also consider removing any carpeting that has been soaked in the flood water. It can be hard to dry properly and can harbor mold and mildew. A professional restoration company can advise you on whether wet carpeting can be salvaged or if it should be ripped out completely.
Lastly, you should check to see what caused your basement to flood. If the cause is a problem with your gutters, sump pump, or drain system, you should talk to a professional waterproofing company for guidance on how to make repairs.
After the flooding has stopped and you have dried up as much as possible, use fans and dehumidifiers to lower the humidity in your basement. High humidity can lead to additional water damage and household mold growth. You should check the basement frequently for signs of moisture, such as stains on the walls and floor or foundation cracks. Contact a BELFOR property restoration company for professional help if you see any of these problems. They can provide advice about cleaning and restoring your belongings and suggest strategies to reduce the likelihood of future flooding.
4. Call a Professional
If you’re not sure whether your flooded basement is safe to enter, it is essential to call an experienced professional. The water may contain harmful bacteria and debris that could pose a health risk to you and your family. Additionally, floodwaters often contain sewage and chemicals that require special protocols for cleaning and disposal.
Make sure to wear protective gear like boots, gloves and a mask before entering a flooded home. It’s also a good idea to bring a wet vacuum, a pool pump or a mop with a bucket for collecting excess water. You should also consider having your yard graded to divert rainwater away from your foundation and basement to prevent flooding during heavy rainfalls.
Thoroughly clean and dry all surfaces that came in contact with the floodwater. You’ll need to disinfect all items that were contaminated by the water, including drywall, flooring, upholstery and furniture. Be sure to take photographs of all items affected by the flooding, as this will help your insurance company process your claim and determine what items can be salvaged.
Be sure to remove any soaked carpeting from the basement, as it is at high risk of developing mildew and mold. Consult with a restoration specialist or carpet cleaning contractor for recommendations on drying these materials properly.
Once you have all of the floodwater removed from your home, it’s important to give the basement a few days to fully dry out. Open windows and doors to increase ventilation and place fans around the room to speed up the drying process.
To reduce the risk of future flooding to your basement, you should install an interior drainage system. This system connects to a sump pump in the lowest part of your basement and works by sending the water away from the foundation. Alternatively, you can also use weeping tile that is installed beneath the foundation of your house to collect and drain the water. These systems are much less costly and easier to maintain than a basement waterproofing system.