First Steps After Your Basement Floods
Few things evoke a sense of fear in a homeowner more than water in their basement. While this can be stressful, knowing the steps to take after experiencing a flooded basement can make all the difference. Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions provides basement waterproofing services to homeowners in Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware.
Whether it be because of excessive rain, poor grading, cracks in your foundation, or any other cause, basement flooding needs to be taken care of immediately. While calling on professionals is always a smart choice, there are certain things you can do on your own to be proactive. Here, our team of experts discusses steps to take after a basement flood.
Shut Off the Power to the Basement
Water and electricity don’t mix, and a flooded basement can cause serious dangers if electronic items are involved. To avoid electrical hazards, you’ll want to shut off any circuit breakers that go to the basement. Depending on the state of the flooding, you may need to contact an electrician to ensure it’s safe to enter. If you notice a gassy smell or your carbon monoxide alarm is going off, you should call 911 immediately.
Document the Damage
While it can be overwhelming, once the area is safe, you should look over everything to assess and document the damage. This means taking photos and videos to record the flooding and its impact. Make sure to document floors, walls, appliances, and other items that were damaged by the flood. This can be helpful for insurance companies to better assess what you’ve lost, helping you get properly reimbursed.
Move Items to Clear the Area
Untouched items should be moved to protect them from damage. However, even items in the flooded areas should be removed and placed in a dry space. This may prevent them from being further damaged and will allow easier access to the space, making it easier for you or your basement waterproofing experts to work on. Any items you find that are beyond repair should be discarded.
Get Rid of the Water and Dry Out the Space
Depending on the amount of water in your basement and the cause of the flooding, you may be able to simply mop up excess water. However, for more significant flooding, you’re better off calling professionals who have the tools needed to remove the water quickly and effectively.
Once the water is removed, you’ll want to dry out the space. Again, if the water is minimal, you can rely on fans, dehumidifiers, and even dry mops to achieve this. However, significant flooding will require more heavy-duty equipment. Ensuring the space is fully dry is incredibly important because it helps prevent the buildup of mold, which can create a health hazard for you and other residents.
Reach Out to Your Insurance Company
Call your insurance company to file a claim sooner rather than later. This is smart because it makes it easier for you to answer key questions, such as what items were damaged, when you noticed the flooding, and more. While some policies may require additional insurance for flooding caused by natural disasters, flooding caused by appliance failure and damaged piping is typically covered. Therefore, you should file a claim regardless.
Contact Basement Waterproofing Professionals
If you have severe basement flooding or simply want assistance from experienced workers, turn to the professionals. At Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions, we have basement waterproofing experts who are highly trained and knowledgeable when it comes to basement and crawlspace flooding. We can evaluate your situation to determine the reason for the flooding. We can even assess your foundation to see if heavy rain and hydrostatic pressure are the culprit. This helps us decide the best solution.
Once we know the cause, we’ll discuss your options and suggest solutions to protect your home, whether it’s sealing areas of your foundation, correcting depressions in your landscaping, or installing or repairing a sump pump. We can also perform a percolation test to see how your soil absorbs water. For areas that have begun to experience mold or mildew growth, we can provide mold remediation services to help eliminate it without allowing it to escape into the air.
Flooded Basement? Contact Our Experts Today
If you’re scrambling to address a flooded basement or want to help ensure your space stays dry in the first place, call on Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions. We have an excellent reputation throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware, providing attentive service and industry expertise. Because we use high-quality equipment and the latest technology, it’s easy to trust in our work.
For those looking to save, we provide 0% financing and free estimates, and our lifetime warranties help you feel good about your decision long term. Contact us today to learn more about our basement waterproofing solutions.
