As a homeowner, even the thought of a flooded basement can be a headache. A house flood is no fun and the devastation can linger if the situation is not handled properly. Excess water causes damage to a home’s interior. The causes can vary from heavy rain to plumbing issues, but the concerns are the same – extract the water. The quicker you take care of the water extraction, the easier it is to remediate.
When Dealing With A Flooded Basement, Safety Comes First:
Water takes the path with the least resistance, so any rainfall can result in a flooded basement. If water levels rise, the excess water needs to find a path, preferably away from the home. In some cases, the path can result in an unfortunate house flood. Before, during, and after any flooding, the biggest concern is safety.
- Consider leaving the property if the flooding is causing a dangerous environment.
- You may need to turn off the power
- Do not enter rooms with sagging ceilings
- Do not play in any areas that are flooding
- Avoid touching or using any items that use an electrical outlet
- Avoid foods that may have contact with the possibly contaminated waters
Proper maintenance can prevent basement flooding.
Contacting Your Insurance Company:
Many homeowner’s insurance companies vary in what they cover and what they do not cover. Typically, and depending of your area, many insurance companies will cover flooding due broken sump-pump, backed up storm drains, heavy rain, and ruptured pipes. Taking necessary safety precautions, document what damage you can see.
Begin The Water Extraction Process:
Removing unwanted water can begin as soon as the flow comes to a stop. This can vary from turning off the main pipe to the home or keeping outside water from entering. Once the flooding stops, it’s time to drain the water. So, the faster you remove the pockets of visible water, the faster you can get to the hidden water.
Water can hide in carpet, walls, and many surfaces that it comes in contact with. Fast action is a requirement to avoid the harmful impact moisture can cause to a home, such as mold. If the water extraction process is not properly executed, it could cause severe water damage.
Begin The Water Mitigation Process:
Once the water extraction process is well underway, this is the time to start the water mitigation process. Depending on the severity of the damage, this may include any or all of the following
- Removing any belongings or material that you deem unsalvageable
- Bringing in the proper equipment to dry your home
- Cleaning and sanitizing all impacted areas of the property
- Deodorizing
- Setting up the equipment to thoroughly dry and remove excess moisture
- Testing for humidity levels and verifying the air quality throughout the home
Replacing Or Cleaning Salvaged Goods Impacted By Your Flooded Basement:
Belongings and materials such as flooring, carpet padding, drywall, and furniture may be determined as unsalvageable. A lot of damaged goods can be restored with proper care, so you want to make sure during the water extraction process and water mitigation that these belongings get the needed attention it deserves. For those items that simply need to go, it’s better to get replace to avoid the affects that come with the water damage.
Repairs:
Along with the initial problem that is causing all of this mess, their could be damages within or outside of your property during a house flood. Windows, doors, or pipes might be impacted as well. If there is additional damage, be sure to notify your adjuster (if dealing with insurance) and repair immediately.
Thorough Inspection Of Your Flooded Basement / Property:
A flooded basement, house flood, or leaky/ bursting pipes requires a thorough inspection. Cutting corners here can lead to further costly repairs to your HVAC, electrical systems, and more. You also do not want to give mold an opportunity to thrive in this moment. So whether you’re hiring someone or doing the cleanup yourself, ensure a fast and thorough cleanup to return peace of mind.
If you have any questions, or need water damage restoration services, don’t hesitate to give us call at 703-955-7556. We will be more than happy to assist.
