When Basement Floods

5 min read

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When faced with a flooded basement, knowing what actions to take to minimize your risks and protect your property can make all the difference. While no one anticipates the worst to happen, it always helps to remain prepared, so below we’ve outlined some useful tips on what to do when you’re faced with basement flooding.

Problems Caused By Basement Flooding

A flooded basement is more than just an inconvenience. The more time it takes to remove the water, the more damage it can cause. The problems caused by flooding may include:

• Microbial Growth: Given enough time, mold may grow on floorboards, wallpaper, drywall, and other parts of your basement. Mold can lead to various health risks, which will be more pronounced in those with environmental sensitivities, allergies, or asthma.
• Weakened Foundation: Water can soak wood, tiles, or cement, ultimately weakening your home’s foundation. An early warning sign to watch out for is slanting, which may eventually lead to a collapse with continued neglect.
• Electrical Damage: Water can damage electrical wiring and circuits, which may permanently damage electrical appliances. They also put you at risk of electrical fires under the right circumstances.
• Saturated Walls and Flooring: Water can soak up and saturate walls and floors. While that may seem minor, it still causes permanent damage that could cause wood to rot, which will need replacement.

Safety Risks To Watch Out For

Swift action is crucial in minimizing basement water damage. However, before you take action, make sure to wear a safety mask, boots, and other protective equipment to protect you against the following:

• Electrical Current: Live wires that come in contact with flood water pose a high risk of electrocution.
• Natural Gas: Natural gas can escape into your home and fill up your basement, which can cause suffocation or ignite and cause an explosion.
• Gray or Black Water: Bacteria and other pathogens can enter through crevices and open wounds when moving through contaminated water, which may lead to life-threatening diseases.
• Concealed Sharp Objects: Various objects may be concealed underneath flood waters, creating various safety hazards. These include toys, fixtures, and sharp objects.

What To Do When There’s Basement Flooding

When dealing with flooding in your basement, remain calm and avoid panicking. Know what steps you need to take to keep you and your family safe while minimizing basement water damage.

Turn Off Power and Gas

When your basement starts to flood, it is imperative that you move quickly to shut off all power sources in the area. Flooded basement cleanup is easier when there is no risk of electrocution or suffocation. However, it would be best only to do so when it is safe, but it is recommended to seek professional assistance.

Determine the Flood Source

Finding the source of basement flooding helps you identify your next course of action. For instance, if flooding is caused by something other than heavy rainfall or flashflood, shutting off your main water source should be your priority to prevent further flooding and basement water damage.

If caused by extreme weather conditions, the best thing to do is perform some mitigating measures to minimize damage. This may include moving light items and equipment to higher ground, clearing drains, and boarding up holes.

Take Pictures of the Extent of Basement Water Damage

Before beginning the flooded basement cleanup, take pictures of the damage and the mitigating steps you’ve taken. Documentary evidence will prove useful during insurance claims and help insurance adjusters determine a fair amount to pay for professional basement water damage restoration.

Call Your Insurance Provider

Call your insurance company immediately to report the flood and file a claim when your basement is flooded. Your insurance provider will offer to pay for basement water damage restoration – or at least reimburse you for payments already made. After you’ve made the call, they will ask you for some preliminary information about the incident and then send a claims adjuster to verify the claim and assess the extent of the damage.

Request Professional Assistance

Begin the basement water damage restoration process right away by calling a reliable restoration company to help you. A professional restoration company will make flooded basement cleanup and restoration more seamless by assisting you with the following:

• Standing water removal
• Dehumidification
• Securing your belongings
• Mold remediation
• Dirt removal and cleanup
• Property restoration

Call Restoration 1 of San Antonio North Immediately

When dealing with a flooded basement after a natural disaster or unfortunate incident in your home, it’s natural to feel overwhelmed. Call the experts at Restoration 1 of San Antonio North to begin the restoration process immediately.

Our expert restoration specialists will assist you with damage cleanup and restoration, making the process seamless. At Restoration 1 of San Antonio North, we do the heavy lifting to restore your property to its original condition in no time!