Basement Flooded? Here’s What to Do
Floods can impact anyone’s home – and they can strike when you least expect them. When severe weather, plumbing leaks, or some other common cause of flooding turns your basement into a swimming pool, it’s important to act swiftly to salvage as much as you can and limit the damage. Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions is a professional basement waterproofing company with decades of experience serving residents in the Pennsylvania-New Jersey-Delaware tri-state area. Here, we explain what a homeowner should do after basement flooding.
Shut Off the Power
Homeowners should never enter a flooded basement. Electrical devices and appliances that come into contact with water can create serious threats. Water can become energized, increasing the likelihood of shock or worse – electrocution. To mitigate the threat, homeowners should immediately turn off the power to their basement. They should also contact their electrical utility company and have them turn the power off at the meter.
Get a Gas-Powered Pump
Once electricity is shut off and the basement is deemed safe to enter, homeowners can address the standing water. To remove the majority of the water in your basement, rent a gas-powered water pump. These pumps are suitable for basement flooding repair.
Find the Source of Flooding
The next move for homeowners is finding the source of the basement flood, which is an important step in the process. With a majority of the water removed, homeowners can begin searching for the cause. The sump pump is a great place to start. When it’s safe to do so, power up the sump pump and see if it’s still working.
Other areas worth inspecting include:
- Pipes or hoses connected to appliances
- Toilet, bathtub, shower, and sinks
- Walls and windows
- Floor cracks and floor drain
Remove Waterlogged Items
Homeowners should remove all items impacted by the flood water promptly. This may also include the flooring. Carpet, padding, and other flooring types should all be removed if they show signs of water damage. This is because when water has made its way into flooring, mold can quickly develop and present serious health issues.
Items that you wish to salvage must be handled with caution. Carefully remove the items and store them in a safe setting where they can dry properly. Avoid using hair dryers and prolonged exposure to sunlight, as these methods can cause irreversible damage. If items are dirty, attempt to loosen dirt and debris with soft cloths and brushes. Avoid rubbing, which can grind in dirt.
Get Air Flowing Through Your Basement
Now that all the remaining water has been removed from the basement, homeowners must address the humidity to return their basement to a usable space. A damp or humid basement creates an optimal environment for microorganisms such as mold and mildew to grow. Open all basement windows to create airflow and begin the drying process. Homeowners can also rent industrial-quality fans to help speed things up.
Additionally, a dehumidifier can be very helpful in reducing humidity levels. Apart from eliminating basement moisture, the dehumidifier also does a great job of improving the air quality in your basement.
Basement Restoration Services at Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions
Basement flooding creates a host of problems for homeowners and residents. Tackling such an issue can be challenging without the required knowledge and expertise. Homeowners who want fast and effective cleanup and damage repair should call the professionals at Dry Tech Waterproofing Solutions.
Using the most advanced technology and equipment, along with their years of experience, our team of trained specialists can help prevent your basement from experiencing lasting damage. We specialize in several services to help restore your basement to its original condition. Our areas of expertise include:
What’s more, customers can take advantage of our free estimates, 0% financing, and lifetime transferrable warranty policies. We offer service areas throughout Pennsylvania, New Jersey, and Delaware. To learn more about what to do after a basement flooding or to hear more about our basement waterproofing services, contact us today.
