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Call Us Now 301-829-2600
October 22, 2023
There is nothing worse than waking up to find water in your basement. Whether there’s an inch or a foot, it can make a big mess. If your basement takes on water, here are some tips to help you cope with the chaos.
A plumber is your best bet if there’s only an inch or two of water in the basement. They can determine the source of the problem. It could be due to a broken pipe or a leaking water heater.
Call a licensed electrician if the water is high enough to reach electrical wiring or outlets. They can assess and repair the damage. Never use an electric tool or turn off the power while standing in water. Let an electrician do it for you.
If there’s significant damage to carpets or walls, contact a professional restoration service. They are experienced in handling water damage and repairs.
There are several ways water can get into a basement. Common causes include heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt, foundation cracks and broken windows, sump pump problems, and burst or leaking pipes. Poor-draining window wells, an overflowing toilet or bathtub, and a downward property slope can also contribute. Homes with older pipes and those near natural water sources are at higher risk of flooding.
If your basement floods, here are some steps to take to help clean it up.
Find the leak location. If it’s due to heavy rain, you’ll need to wait until the storm passes to tackle the mess.
Call a pro. If you’re having trouble finding the leak, call a plumber or disaster restoration company.
Notify the insurance company. They will tell you what your policy covers and your out-of-pocket expenses.
Pump out the water. Do this with a pool pump, a wet vacuum, or a gas-powered water pump. Get rid of the water and dry out the area immediately. Mold can start to grow within 24 to 48 hours.
Take pictures. Photograph everything impacted by the aftermath of the flood. Videos are another useful tool you can use.
Toss items out. Throw out clothing, bedding, pillows, and perishable food that may attract mold.
Scrub the floor. One cup of chlorine bleach mixed with a gallon of water can be used to disinfect the flooring. The solution can be used to clean vinyl tile, linoleum, and other hard surfaces. Wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear while cleaning. Keep the area well ventilated.
Inspect gutters, drains, and downspouts. Get rid of leaves, twigs, and mud. Use a plunger or plumber’s snake to clear drains. Clean out gutters and downspouts on the outside of the house.
Freeze important papers. Put valuable documents and papers that are damp in the freezer. This can temporarily stop mold and mildew until you can attend to them.
When it comes to water, flood, or fire damage, Flood Department is here to help. We provide water damage repair and clean-up services for homeowners and businesses. We cover Maryland, Pennsylvania, Virginia, West Virginia, and Washington, D.C. We are dedicated to helping reverse the unfortunate results. Contact us at 301-829-2600 or visit us online.