Basement flooding can happen at any moment, especially in the spring, when snow melts and spring storms begin. Flooding can occur even in dry weather due to unexpected blockages to the sewer system around your house. If you’ve experienced basement flooding, it is imperative to deal with the situation immediately. To help you overcome this emergency, check out this basement flood cleanup guide: 

How to Clean Up a Flooded Basement

Tackling basement flood repair yourself is not a good idea, so keep the number of a water damage restoration specialist on hand. But if you would like to handle the problem yourself, then here are essential flooded basement repair tips: Check out this website to learn more.

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Things to do quickly after a basement flood:

• First, ensure that it’s safe to enter your home. Check for structural damage, such as cracks, holes, or warping.
• Immediately shut off the electrical supply to your residence at the main circuit breaker. Be aware of electrical wires that are under the water level.
• When the flood is due to a burst water heater in your home, shut off the main water source.
• Avoid direct contact with floodwater, which may contain dangerous contamination.
• Call your insurance company, take photos, and document all damaged items. Make a list of these possessions to restore and to lose. This can aid you with your insurance claim. If the pump has a backup battery, it should drain the water if the power is off.

Basement flooding cleanup tips

• Quickly remove affected items from floodwater to avoid mold growth, warping, and rust. Things that suck up a lot of water (such as carpet and furniture) can usually be salvaged if they have been in floodwater for under 24 hours. Otherwise, throw them away.
• Completely dry the cellar to prevent further damage and mold growth.
  • Suck the water up using a sump pump and a Wet-Dry vacuum cleaner.
  • Use dehumidifiers and ventilate the basement as far as possible. Use fans and open windows when the weather permits, but not when the outside humidity is high.
  • Eliminate the baseboards (if present) and drill 1-inch holes halfway between the wall studs at the bottom of the walls. This allows moist air from behind the walls to evaporate.
  • Properly drying a flooded basement may take up to fourteen days.
• After everything was dried, clean and disinfect the basement contents and construction (walls, base floor, drywall, etc.). You may have to discard the drywall and wood in case a lot of molds have grown.
• Do not use bleach to clean mold because bleach kills reside mold but not mold spores. Household detergent is more preferable.
• Regardless of the dimensions of the mold-affected area, carefully think about contacting a mold remediation business. They can determine the moisture source and revive the moldy surfaces efficiently and without the risk of mold recurrence.
• Make any necessary repairs, such as filling base cracks, replacing damaged drywall with a mold-resistant type, and sealing vents and windows.
• If your basement has been flooded with sewage, check out our recommendations to handle sewage backup in a basement.

How to Prevent Basement Flooding

• Clean your gutters and downspouts and divert rainwater six feet away from the house. Also, be sure that the floor is slightly sloping away from your property.
• Install an emergency generator to provide your house with electricity during blackouts.
• Install a sump pump that automatically drains water out of the basement and prevents water from rising. Choose one with a backup battery.
• Seal openings or openings in the walls, floors, foundations, and windows of your house.
• Ensure that your drainage systems and pipes are functioning correctly. Have them checked periodically by a professional.
• Read more tips to prevent basement water damage and take a look at the leading causes of basement flooding.

For basement flood cleanup, phone the PuroClean restoration professionals

Whether your basement has flooded due to excessive rain, sewage backup, a pipe burst, or other causes, we stand ready to come to your house’s rescue. Our technicians are certified and trained to deal with crises like basement flooding repair, mold removal, and water damage restoration. We have over 280 offices located across North America that are prepared to answer your call 24/7/365. Visit PuroClean Huntington Park for more information.