If you have a flooded basement, it’s important to act fast. Learn the steps to take after your basement floods in this guide.
Keyword(s): flooded basement
Heavy rain is a common cause of a flooded basement, but floods can occur from improper sealants, poorly installed downspouts, gutters full of debris, and broken lines or appliances.
If you are dealing with a flooded basement for any reason, it’s important to eradicate the issue as soon as possible. Fast cleanup can prevent mold growth and major property damages.
Keep reading to learn the steps to take after your basement floods.
Remove Water
When you have a flooded basement, it’s essential to get water out as soon as possible.
If you own a wet vac, it can be helpful in removing a few inches of standing basement water. If you don’t have this equipment, you can rent or buy one.
Minor water damage can be cleaned up with rags and towels. However, you need to immediately rash the rags you use to prevent mold growth.
It’s also recommended to hire water restoration services because they have the equipment necessary for water removal. For major water damage, always hire professional companies.
Dry It Out
After removing water, you need to air out the area to prevent bacteria and mold from growing. You can use dehumidifiers and fans to move air around.
If using dehumidifiers, keep them at least eight inches away from walls for the best air circulation results. Make sure the air filter is cleaned so that the fan can operate efficiently.
Throw away anything that is still wet and make sure your air conditioning is turned on, even if it doesn’t reach the basement.
Scrub Flooring
To sanitize the area after a basement flood, you need to scrub the floors. Hard surfaces like linoleum and vinyl tile can be scrubbed with a chlorine bleach solution. Make sure to mix it with one gallon of water.
This process requires you to wear rubber gloves and protective eyewear. Keep the room ventilated while cleaning to avoid breathing in chemical substances.
Examine Drains, Gutters, and Downspouts
Check the basement steps and drains for debris like leaves, mud, or twigs. Remove drain screens and clean them out.
You can use a plunger or plumber’s snake to clear a drain. Muck out gutters and downspouts all around the house. This can help prevent a flooding basement in the future.
Hire Water Damage Restoration Services
The most efficient way to take care of a flooded basement is to hire water damage restoration services.
These professionals work from start to finish to remove water, clean, sanitize, and prevent mold growth.
If you don’t have the right tools and equipment to clean your basement, it’s better to hire these services. If you attempt to clean out a flooded basement yourself, you could end up with more damage in the future.
Water restoration companies can complete these steps thoroughly and can provide you with tips on how to prevent flood damage in the future.
Flooded Basement? No Problem
No problem is too small or too large for ServiceMASTER Restore. We pride ourselves on being local experts in water damage and restoration services.
If you have a flooded basement, don’t try to attempt a DIY fix. Hire our services for thorough help.
Check out our Montana locations and contact us to get started.
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