Unquestionably, a major flooded basement is one of the most damaging things that can happen to your house. It’s also one of the most mentally and physically exhausting things you will go through as a homeowner.
Water damage can have a major and damaging impact on your walls, ceilings, roof, furniture, personal belongings, and the foundation and structure of the entire house, regardless of the cause of the basement leak or flood. Your initial reaction, if your house has experienced flooding or water damage, might be to start the cleanup procedure as soon as the water is pumped out.
To resolve the issue, it’s critical to follow the right procedures when it comes to water removal in basement. You should consider preventive steps like waterproofing your basement after the cleanup to make sure there are no further leaks or floods in the future.
Steps On Water Removal in Basement
Water in your basement can be damaging, especially if it remains there for an extended period of time. For water removal in basement, follow the steps listed below.
Step #1: Switch Off The Source Of Power
Before going into the basement, switch off the source of power. If you can’t reach the circuit breaker, get in touch with a licensed electrician.
Step #2: Find Where The Problem Is
The first thing you should do if you are having problems with a wet basement is determine the source and cause of the water. Water can enter your house in lots of different places, but the primary ones are your windows, the walls, and the joints where the wall and floor meet.
When you have identified the source of the leak, make sure to seal it somehow to prevent further water leaks or pours in as you work to clean up. Heavy rains and storms, fast snowmelt, and, shockingly, unclean rain gutters are some of the primary causes of basement leaks and flooding.
Step #3: Assess The Damage
Assessing the extent of the damage can help you to decide the next move. Pay close attention to any visible damages as you thoroughly assess your basement. To ensure you get insurance, keep a record of the damage. It can be beneficial to take pictures or videos. Try to find the flooding’s cause if it’s not quite obvious. Don’t forget to look for wall leaks in the basement.
Determine whether the water in your basement is clean, gray, or black because this will have an impact on the cleanup.
Step #4: Get Ready For The Cleaning
Before beginning to fix your wet basement, make sure you switch off all of the sources of power running through the area to prevent any accidents. Furthermore, wear safety gear to protect yourself from hot water, bacteria, and contaminated water, such as goggles, waterproof boots, gloves, and any other safety gear you may need. For better ventilation, make sure the basement windows are open to let some fresh air in. Fans can also be used during the process.
Step #5: Remove Out The Water
Check to see if the standing water outside your house has subsided before attempting to remove it from your basement.
When it comes to effectively removing water, make use of a pool pump or wet vacuum. In the case that these tools are unavailable, a bucket and mop will still work, though more slowly. Consider renting a sump pump in a situation of heavy flooding to help remove the water more quickly. Remember to inspect nooks and crannies, such as beneath stairs and behind appliances, where water could accumulate.
Take your time with this process. Given that your basement has already sustained damage, it is crucial to appropriately remove the water to prevent additional damage to the building’s foundation and structure.
Step #6: Dry Your Basement
Response time is critical since mold can develop in as little as 48 hours. The drying process can be accelerated with tools like fans, dehumidifiers, and heaters. The basement might dry out more quickly if windows and doors are opened for more airflow. To make sure that the drying process is finished, think about utilizing a moisture meter to measure the amount of moisture in your walls and flooring.
Once most of the water has been removed, several ordinary towels should be enough to wipe up any remaining water puddles.
Step #7: Clean And Disinfect The Area
The basement needs to be cleaned and disinfected at this point to get rid of any bacteria and prevent mold from growing. For efficient cleaning, use a cleaning solution that includes bleach or a comparable disinfectant. Make sure to thoroughly clean every surface, including the floors, walls, and any wet things. Prevent hazardous chemical reactions by avoiding combining bleach with other cleaning products.
Think about hiring a professional cleaning service with expertise if you need comprehensive cleaning.
Step #8: Remove The Damaged Things And Do Repairs
Now that your basement has been cleaned and disinfected, it’s time to handle any damaged things. Whatever porous material that has been saturated with water needs to be replaced. For example, rugs, chairs, and drywall panels.
Determine what should be thrown out and what can be kept. If you have important things, think about restoring them professionally. For insurance claims purposes, compile a list of all things that were damaged.
It is important to check your basement for any leaks, cracks, or other problems that could increase your risk of experiencing another flood later on.
Step #9: Make The Basement Waterproof
Water may flood any basement. If you want to upgrade your basement drainage system, think about hiring professionals for basement waterproofing services. Check your basement frequently for indications of damage or leaks. If your house is close to a flood zone, install a backup generator and sump pump.
Basement leaks can be greatly avoided with regular maintenance and checkups.
Conclusion
Although no one ever wants to deal with a flooded basement, it’s important to be ready, particularly if you live in an area where flooding is more likely to occur. You can deal with this difficult situation more quickly and effectively if you follow these steps for water removal in basement. Keep in mind that your safety should always come first when handling a flooded basement. Also, by taking precautions, you can be sure that you won’t have to deal with a similar circumstance again once your basement is dry and clean again.
