Have you ever walked down the stairs to your basement after a big storm and been met with standing water? Besides soaking through your floors and walls, standing water in your basement can destroy furniture, stored items, and other keepsakes.
A flooded basement can lead to an enormous amount of stress for homeowners. Fortunately, there are plenty of water mitigation and cleanup tactics for dealing with a flooded basement that can be used to alleviate the situation. This will help you know what to do with a flooded basement.
Is a Flooded Basement Dangerous?
A flooded basement can be very dangerous. Before entering your flooded basement, you should assess the safety level of the affected area by taking note of any exposed electrical components, structural instability, slip and fall risks, or contaminated water.
The most significant safety hazard you should pay attention to when it comes to a flooded basement is exposed electrical wiring, outlets, and appliances that may have come in contact with the water. This can create a significant risk of electrical shock or fires, so avoiding contact with any of these items, as well as the water itself, is essential.
You also need to be aware of any areas where the structural integrity of your home might have been weakened by water damage. Water damage can cause walls, ceilings, and floors to become unstable, so it is best to avoid entering the flooded area until it has been assessed by a professional in case of collapse
Furthermore, any standing water in a flooded basement could be contaminated. It’s best to avoid wading through water that may contain dangerous particles, bacteria, viruses, chemicals, sewage, and more.
Finally, there may be areas of a flooded basement where you could slip, fall, and injure yourself. This is especially important for areas of the basement that are unfinished, as wet cement can be incredibly slick and quickly become a safety hazard.
What To Do When Your Basement Floods
Any sort of flooding or standing water in your basement can leave many homeowners panic-stricken. In the event that this situation arises, you’ll need to know the proper cleanup processes to ensure the safety of you and your family.
Photograph Any Damage
Before starting any basement flood cleanup, you’ll want to take photos and videos of the flooded area. Your insurance company will likely require photographic evidence to process any claims, so it’s imperative to keep a record of any damage.
Most insurance policies do cover flood damage resulting from appliance failure or burst pipes. However, flood coverage itself is an add-on to your standard insurance plan, which means many homeowners may not have it. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, you should consider verifying your coverage before the need arises to avoid costly repairs or damages in the future.
Turn Off the Power and Water Supply
Turning off the power during a basement flood is crucial for preventing fires or electric shocks caused by water and electricity coming into contact with each other. Turning off the power ensures the safety of individuals working in the area and minimizes the potential for further damage to electrical systems and appliances.
You’ll also need to stop the water at its source. If it is coming from a burst or cracked pipe, turning off the water in your home can quickly help ease the flow. In natural disasters like hurricanes, blocking entry points with sandbags can be a viable solution.
Remove Standing Water
Once you’ve taken all safety precautions into consideration, you’ll want to start by removing as much standing water as possible. If you are planning on doing this yourself, it’s important to wear personal protective equipment to ensure a safe and thorough cleanup while avoiding exposure to biohazards.
Using a wet vac is typically effective for minor flooding and can be easily used by homeowners. After the standing water has been removed, towels can be used to soak up excess water and dry the area.
However, in cases of significant water damage, involving professionals from a flood cleanout company may be necessary. These companies are equipped to deal with situations involving extreme flooding and will keep all safety practices top-of-mind.
Let the Area Dry
Allow an adequate period of time for the basement to dry before embarking on flooded basement repair projects.
Promote ventilation by opening windows and doors to maximize airflow, and strategically set up fans throughout the area to enhance air circulation and expedite drying. Additionally, consider renting a dehumidifier from a nearby home improvement store to further aid in moisture removal.
After these methods have been successfully implemented and your floor and walls have thoroughly dried, use an anti-mildew spray to deter the future growth of mold.
Remove Trash or Damaged Items
Next, remove junk or damaged items from the flooded area that have the potential of attracting mold, such as clothing, bedding, pillows, cardboard, paper bags, and any perishable food items. Any belongings that have been soaked should be relocated to a well-ventilated area where they can thoroughly dry.
Anything that can’t be cleaned with a liquid-based disinfectant should be disposed of or removed. It is also recommended to remove and discard any wet carpet. In most cases, both the carpet and the padding beneath it will require complete replacement, as failing to do so can encourage mildew growth, leading to expensive repairs.
Additionally, to prevent the spread of mold, it is also important to remove any wet or damaged drywall and insulation. These materials can serve as breeding grounds for mold growth, which makes the proper disposal and drying of them very important.
Sanitize and Scrub the Area
After these items have been removed, any area of your basement that has flooded must be thoroughly sanitized and cleaned. This is to ensure that your basement fosters a safe living environment moving forward without posing a health threat to you and your family.
Using a bleach-based cleaner on all walls and flooring in the area is an effective way to eliminate mold, bacteria, and other biohazards that the floodwater may have brought in. A combination of mild detergent and warm water can also be used to scrub away dirt, debris, and other contaminants from surfaces.
After completing a basement cleanup, you should regularly inspect for signs of mold growth and continue to clean with bleach and warm water as necessary.
At SGT Haul, we offer junk removal and water mitigation services for residents of Southeast Wisconsin and Green Bay. For a reliable and stress-free basement cleanup, contact us today to learn more!
