8 Things to Do If Your Basement Is Flooded

Unexpected issues aren’t fun to deal with for any homeowner. Unfortunately, they do happen and one of the unexpected issues that can be difficult to handle is a basement flooding. However, if your basement was flooded, it’s vital that you keep calm and look at the situation with a level head.

To help you out, foundation repair experts Stratum Structural Systems list the eight things you can do if your basement was ever flooded, starting with:

1. Shut Off Power – Before you enter your flooded basement, make sure to shut off power to the area, including electricity and gas, to minimize the risk of injuries and further issues. If you aren’t certain of how to shut the power off, make sure to call a professional to do it for you.
2. Find the Water Source – Once the power is shut off, find the source of the water if a storm isn’t the reason your basement was flooded. If you manage to determine that a burst pipe is the reason for the flooding, shut off the water to the basement and call a plumber to fix the pipe immediately.
3. Unclog the Drain – Does your basement have a floor drain? If so, check it and ensure that it isn’t clogged during the flood. Keep it clear and functioning so it can help drain as much water as it can.
4. Remove the Water – On the other hand, if you don’t have a floor drain or if there’s simply too much water, make sure to remove as much of it as you can. You can use a sump pump, pool pump or a wet/dry vacuum depending on the amount of water in your basement. Once the majority of the water has been removed, soak the remainder with a cloth or sponge. Ask for assistance if needed to make the process go faster.
5. Remove Damaged Items – Basement repair contractors also recommend that you remove the damaged items from your basement once most of the water is gone. Put them to dry in a well-ventilated area or a sunny place to prevent mold and mildew from growing. During this process, rip up the carpeting and remove it from the basement as well as they can prevent the floor underneath from drying. If you want to salvage the carpet, consult a restoration specialist immediately.
6. Ventilate the Basement – After removing the damaged items, give the basement a few days of drying time and open the windows and doors to ventilate it as much as possible. Place fans and dehumidifiers around the room as well to improve the basement’s air circulation and speed up its drying time.
7. Clean the Basement – Wash the basement’s floors and walls to remove the dirt that flood water may have left behind. Remove any wet or damaged drywall and insulation as well to prevent mold from spreading. Once the floor and walls are dry, make sure to spray an anti-mildew spray to prevent mold and mildew from growing.
8. Call Your Insurance Company – Finally, if you want to make a claim on your flood insurance, call your home insurance company and report the situation immediately. Confirm your coverage limits, deductible amount and claims procedures to make the process go smoother.

Planning to waterproof your basement? Don’t hesitate to turn to Stratum Structural Systems, your leading professionals when it comes to basement waterproofing and egress window repair services. Give us a call at (314) 620-8153 or fill out our contact form to schedule a home inspection.