If your basement floods, acting quickly is of the utmost importance. Mold can start forming within 24 hours and it is vital that all belongings be dried as quickly as possible to stop mold growth and protect your belongings from further water damage.
Before entering any area, first make sure it is safe. Switch off all power to the flooded room and contact an electrician if necessary.
If you’re looking for a professional plumbers in Chicago, IL, you should consider contacting one of the team members at J. Blanton Plumbing.
1. Turn off the water
Utilizing either a pool pump, wet/dry vacuum, or mopping the water as quickly and safely as possible is key to getting all of it out of your home as soon as possible. When safe to do so, remove upholstered furniture and other items to a dry area for storage.
If your basement has become submerged by city water, first turn off the main water valve (typically located near your foundation). For well water sources such as underground wells or wells located elsewhere on your property, disconnecting their pump may also help alleviate flooding in a cellar or garage space.
If your gutters are clogged, be sure to incline the ground away from your house and seal foundation cracks or flaws as a preventive measure against rainstorms soaking through. A sump pump, floor drains and window well covers are also good ways to ensure water doesn’t seep into your home unintentionally.
2. Remove wet items
Flooded basements can be messy and hazardous spaces, whether from severe weather or an unexpected burst pipe. Water, dust and debris can quickly fill the air and promote mold growth; therefore it is vital that items from flood zones be removed promptly before any mold growth takes hold.
Ramoni suggests putting salvageable items in a dry area and allowing them to dry thoroughly before disposing. Items contaminated by raw sewage or floodwaters should be thrown out immediately.
Note that any electrical items present should also be carefully examined, particularly those near water sources such as outlets or appliances that could pose the threat of electrocution. If possible, turn off power at the circuit breaker without entering flooded areas; otherwise call an electrician.
3. Dry out the area
Once it is safe, remove items that were exposed to moisture such as large pieces of furniture and carpeting, porous materials like books and clothing as well as porous structures such as walls if there is extensive flooding damage.
Abrams cautions that it is wise to turn off power at the circuit breaker before touching anything electrical. Standing water often covers outlets, and touching one could result in electrocution.
As soon as it’s safe, use a wet-dry vacuum to extract as much of the excess water from your basement as possible. A standard shop vac or standard vacuum simply won’t do; an appliance capable of handling high volumes of water must be used instead. A pump may also be necessary to evacuate water from floor drains.
4. Repair the leak
If your basement floods due to a plumbing leak, contact your plumber as soon as possible to make any needed repairs and file any necessary claims with your homeowners or renters insurance policy on your behalf. An experienced plumber will ensure your home remains free from further flooding while filing all required claims on your behalf.
Once it is safe to enter, remove upholstered furniture and other large items which cannot be salvaged to dry areas as soon as possible. Doing this quickly reduces their chance of rotting, mildewing and mold growth over time. Open windows and doors to help with air circulation; wet/dry shop vacuums and dehumidifiers may speed up drying times further if available.
5. Determine the cause
Once it is safe to access, a plumber can make plumbing repairs that could prevent further flooding from occurring. They can also inspect your home’s plumbing system to ensure it complies with regulations and remains functional.
Any items affected by water should be removed from the basement, including rugs and carpeting that has become wet. Such materials may hold moisture that leads to mold growth in your space.
No one likes thinking about the possibility of their basement becoming flooded, but prevention is better than cure. To lower your odds of flooding, have your sewer lines and septic tank professionally inspected every 3-5 years and check that insulation has been correctly installed in your home.
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