When water floods a home, one of the most vulnerable places would be the basement. Due to their placement and design, they can be prone to flooding quickly, which can lead to structural damage in the future. Without a lot of ventilation and limited exits, it’s easy for water to rise and cause severe water damage if left unchecked.
The good news is that cleaning a basement in case of a flood is relatively easy. However, it takes a lot of work, and it might cost you a hefty fee. Cleaning up your flooded basement might be better than having to restore your home due to water damage. So, if you’re wondering what to do if a flood were to occur, we got you covered.
In this article, we’ll discuss why floods happen, give you tips on cleaning a flooded basement, and how you can reduce the chances of floods from happening in your home.
Causes of Floods in Homes
Floods in homes can happen due to a variety of factors. The most common causes of floods are natural disasters, appliance failures, leaky pipes, or other signs of damage in the home. Sometimes you can’t protect your home from a storm and floods occur.
Natural disasters such as hurricanes, heavy rainfall, or stormy weather can wreak havoc on your home. Without proper protection and proper drainage systems, your home can become a “flood-risk” area.
Appliance failures are also common, especially with appliances that run on water, such as washing machines, refrigerators, sump pumps, and water heaters. Without maintenance and regular inspections, these appliances can break down and malfunction— causing leaks and floods.
Here’s What You Can Do
When your basement is flooded, it can be stressful and challenging to handle. Other than calling professionals to help you out, here are some things you can do to lighten the load and, hopefully, keep your basement dry while you wait for help to arrive.
Check if it’s safe to go down into the basement.
When water is in the basement, no matter how high or low the water is, there is always a risk of electrocution since electrical outlets are usually placed below the home. The first thing you would need to do is check whether or not the water has risen above an electrical outlet. If not, you need to find the main breaker and shut off the power to the area to avoid electrocution.
The water filling up your basement could be contaminated, so it’s recommended that you use protective gear when going into a flooded basement.
Find the source of water.
If it’s safe to go down the basement, you need to figure out where the water is coming from. This can be easy if the pipe or damage is visible, but it can also be difficult. If you’re having a hard time finding the source of the flood, you can check these spots:
Foundation
Walls and windows
Sump pump
Pipes
Dry whatever you can and bring in a dehumidifier or fan
If you’ve located the source of water or if the water isn’t that bad, do your best to dry the basement as best as you can. Some people use a pool pump, but a mop and bucket are just as effective.
Once you have dried most of the basement, bring in a dehumidifier, fan, or air conditioner to keep the space cool and dry. This also helps prevent mold and fungi growth.
Determine what can be salvaged
It can be hard to say goodbye to your belongings, but once contaminated water has touched them, the best solution is to throw them away. Take a look around your basement and determine which items can be saved and which ones need to go. A good indicator of damaged items usually includes a musty smell and spots from mold growth. If any of your items have spots and an odor, it’s time for them to go. Belongings that are still in good shape can be put in self storage until you finish cleaning up and drying off your basement.
Prevention Is Key
Natural disasters such as hurricanes and stormy weather can be unpredictable. So, floods caused by these events can be hard to prevent. However, if it’s caused by appliance failure, leaky pipes, and the likes, you can lessen your chances of basement flooding by taking preventive measures.
Keep your drainages clear.
Keeping your drainages clean and clear can help prevent floods from happening in the first place. During heavy rainfall, it’s recommended that you don’t use up a lot of water to help keep waterways clear. Our drainage systems work extra hard, and sometimes it clogs. This is why you should clean your drains regularly and tackle clogged drains as soon as possible.
Keep an eye on your appliances.
Your appliances will break down over time, especially if they’re incredibly outdated. If you feel like your washing machine is acting up, it might be time to call a professional to inspect it. If needed, get your appliances repaired or updated to avoid malfunctions and floods.
Regularly inspect your foundation and pipes.
Lastly, make time to inspect your home’s foundation and pipes. Most of the time, floods can come from leaky pipes or cracks in your foundation. Leaky pipes and cracks in your foundation can also cause floods. Sometimes it can be hard to detect these issues since pipes and foundations are hidden underground or behind walls, comments drainage professional Sam Mayers.
Usually, homeowners will realize that their pipes are leaking or the foundation is damaged when signs of water damage start to show up. Discovering leaks and cracks early on will save you from an expensive repair bill, and it’ll keep your home in great shape.
