No matter how calm a person you are, a flooded basement is likely to push your patience and calmness to the limit. If you’re a homeowner who likes to take care of their property, this may be a time where you begin second-thinking your approach. However, a flooded basement isn’t always due to poor home management; there are a variety of factors such as floods from rain that can cause it to happen. Nevertheless, your task now is to learn what to do and who to call to get your basement back to its normal state. Thus the following includes the steps to take when you discover that your basement is flooded and how to prevent it from happening again.
How Much is it Going to Cost You?
Understandably, the first thing a homeowner sees when they are staring at a flooded basement is dollar signs. Not only are the pipes going to need repair, but it’s likely that your walls and floors will need some TLC as well. According to the National Flood Insurance Program, flooded basements are amongst the most common claims being submitted by Americans. Those claims add up to an astonishing $3 billion. That total is derived from a variety of services such as supplies, cleanup companies, and other miscellaneous costs.
Here’s What to Do First!
If the water damage is not caused by floods from rain, then it’s likely that your water pipes have burst. You may be wondering who to call to shut off the water; fortunately, this can be handled by yourself. Every home has a main water valve within the property. If you do not know where it’s located, you should call in a professional.
Pumping Out Water
One of the first steps to take when a basement is flooded is to begin pumping out the water. You may contact cleanup companies, or you may clean up by yourself. If your basement is relatively small, a local contractor may simply suggest that you pump it out on your own to save a few dollars. Of course, a local contractor would be the best person to determine if your basement is too big for you to clean up by yourself.
How to Soak up Water
Once the water source has been shut off, and the remaining water has been pumped out, your next step should be to soak up the aftermath. How to soak up water can be somewhat difficult but not impossible. Simply dry vacuum any areas that remain wet, and items that can be removed from the basement should be placed outside to be aired-out. Items should be given at least 48 hours to dry, or mold may begin to build up.
Preventing Basement Flooding
How to prevent a basement from flooding is perhaps the most common question by homeowners. Your first step to preventing flooding is to ensure that your drainage systems are working properly. Your rain spouts should also be directing water away from your property or at least away from where your basement is located.
As you can see from the information above, there are a few steps that you need to take immediately after you notice your basement flooding with water. However, if you are ever in doubt, it is always recommended to contact the professionals.
