If this article finds you with a pool of murky black water, you’ve got some reading to do. Even if you’re not in this situation right now, you might be in the future so it’s good to know how to clean a basement after a flood.
Basement flooding can happen due to excessive rain or raw sewage and are a pain in the neck, but not the end of the world. Without any further ado, let’s get to the brass tacks of a flooded basement cleanup – we’ll try to answer all the questions you may have.
What Do I Do If My Basement Floods?
First things first, take a deep breath. You won’t be able to solve anything if you are stressed.
Then you need to start the restoration process which will include 3 important steps – water removal, the drying process, and basement cleanup. We’ll tell you all about what things you need to do after a basement flood and how to do them.
How Do You Fix a Flooded Basement?
Before you spring into the water damage restoration process, you have to make sure that everything’s safe down there.
First, check if there’s any structural damage to the floor or foundation walls that would prevent you from safely entering and carrying out cleanup and restoration. Then, shut off the power supply to the main circuit breaker and watch out for pipes under the water level. Next, you will want to figure out what caused the flooding so you can take appropriate action.
What Causes Basements to Flood?
There are several causes of basement flooding. It’s crucial to figure out the water source when dealing with flooded basements because your cause of action depends on it.
Here are some reasons why basements flood:
- A burst pipe or broken pipes in the plumbing system
- A faulty sump pump
- Heavy rain or fast snow melts leaking through basement walls
- Saturated soil water pushed by the hydrostatic pressure
- Sewage backups from the municipal drain system
Does Insurance Cover Basement Flooding?
Your insurance company will most likely help out with the finances after a basement flood. In case of sudden and unexpected things like a burst pipe or a washing machine overflow, you will be reimbursed. There may be a problem when it comes to sewage backups as there’s extra protection from that. Either way, make sure you photograph and document everything – you will need it for your insurance claim.
How Do You Restore a Basement After a Flood?
Once you’ve insured your safety by shutting down the power supply and documented everything for the insurance company, you can get down to business. Here are the steps you need to take when handling water damage restoration in a basement.
Shut Off the Main Water Supply if Needs Be
Besides the power supply, you’ll need to shut off the main water supply if your flood damage is due to a burst water pipe in the basement walls. That’s why it’s so important to figure out the cause of the flood water first. If the standing water flooded for another reason, it’s not necessary to take this step.
Arm Yourself With the Right Equipment Before Going Down
When battling flood damage, it’s important to wear protective clothing and specialized equipment. Rubber boots, gloves, and ab N95 face mask will protect you from water damage, mold growth, and who knows what kind of bacteria and chemicals are out there.
Wait for the Sump Pump to Drain the Flood Water
If you have a sump pump, wait for it to drain the flooding from your basement. If you have a backup battery for it, it should be able to work and drain the standing water even when the power is off. It’s of huge help so if you’ve got it, let it do the water removal work for you.
Remove Everything From Your Basement
Quickly remove the basement contents from the flooded area to prevent mold growth and further damage. Even things like sofas and carpets can be saved if they’ve been in the water for less than 24 hours. If they’ve been on the floor of a water-filled basement for more, throw them away.
Ventilate the Basement Well Enough
Will a dehumidifier help a flooded basement? Yes, it will, and big time! Use dehumidifiers, fans, and even open the windows (not when it’s humid outside, though) to ventilate the flooded basement. And ventilating the basement right can take time – if you can leave it for a week or to completely dry and ventilate.
Who Do You Call When Your Basement Is Flooding?
When you’ve got a basement flood, you need water damage restoration services in Miami. There are many independently owned and operated franchises that handle water damage restoration and the necessary repairs. You may also need the services of a mold remediation specialist to carry out mold removal and mold cleanup for you as they can identify the moisture source and fix the problem entirely.
How Much Does It Cost to Clean Up a Flooded Basement?
Most independently owned and operated water emergency companies charge between $3,000 and $10,000 for their restoration services. The price of the services of a water emergency company depends on the size of your basement, moisture source, and the magnitude of the water damage.
The basement flooding repair is a strenuous job best left to the services of a restoration specialist as they know what they’re doing and they’ll fix your problem. It’s also the easiest and fastest way out of this bad situation, so if you can hire them – do. You won’t regret it.
Is Waterproofing a Basement Worth It?
If you are reading this text with a flood at the basement floor at your hands, you don’t even need us to answer this. As you’ve guessed it – the answer is yes, absolutely! It’s a small investment to make to fortify your home and protect it from water and moisture damage, especially considering the cost of repairs.
If you’re reading this article for informational purposes and haven’t got yourself a flood in the basement, now’s your chance to be proactive and prevent this terrible situation from happening. Also, you can read our article on water damage restoration tips.
