Home Remodeling

How to Clean a Flooded Basement

Basement flooding can happen at any moment, particularly in the spring, when snow melts and spring storms begin. Flooding can occur even in dry weather because of unexpected blockages into the sewer system around your home. If you’ve experienced basement flooding, it’s vital to take care of the situation immediately. To assist you to overcome such an emergency, check out this basement flood cleanup guide:

The Way to Clean Up a Flooded Cellar

Tackling basement flood repair yourself is not a good idea, so keep the amount of a water damage restoration expert on hand. But if you want to handle the issue yourself, here are essential flooded cellar repair hints:

Things to do quickly following a basement flooding:

  • First, make sure that it’s safe to enter your property. Check for structural damage, like cracks, holes, or warping.
  • Immediately shut off the electrical supply to your home at the main circuit breaker. Be conscious of electrical wires which are under the water level.
  • When the flood is a result of a burst water pipe in your home, shut off the main water supply.
  • Prevent direct contact with floodwater, which may contain dangerous contamination.
  • Telephone your insurer, shoot photos, and document all damaged items. Make a list of these belongings to restore and to lose. This will help you with your insurance claim. If the pump has a backup battery, it should drain the water if the power is off.

Basement flood cleanup hints

  • Instantly remove affected things from floodwater to prevent mold expansion, warping, and rust. Things that suck up a great deal of water (like furniture and carpeting) can typically be salvaged if they’ve been in floodwater for under 24 hours. Otherwise, throw them off.
  • Completely dry the basement to avoid further damage and mold growth.
    • Suck up the water using a sump pump and a Wet-Dry vacuum. Use fans and open windows when the weather permits, but not if the external 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 vanish.
    • Properly drying a flooded basement may require up to fourteen days.
  • After everything has been dried, clean and disinfect the cellar contents and structure (walls, base floor, drywall, etc.). You might need to discard the drywall and wood in case a great deal of mold has grown.
  • Don’t use bleach to clean mold because bleach kills reside mold but not mold spores. Household detergent is preferable.
  • Irrespective of the dimensions of this mold-affected area, strongly consider contacting mold remediation or restoration companies. They could determine the moisture source and revive the moldy surfaces efficiently and without risk of mold recurrence.
  • Make any necessary repairs, like filling base cracks, replacing damaged shingles using a mold-resistant kind, and sealing vents and windows.
  • If your basement has been flooded with sewer, have a look at our tips to handle sewage backup in a cellar.

How to Prevent Basement Flooding

  • Additionally, make sure the floor is slightly sloping away from your property. Install an emergency generator to give your house power during blackouts.
  • Install a sump pump that automatically drains water out of your basement and prevents water from rising. Choose one with a battery.
  • Install porous pavement around your house to help absorb rainwater and rainwater snow.
  • Ensure your drainage systems and plumbing are working properly. 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 flooding cleanup, phone the PuroClean restoration professionals

Whether your basement has flooded due to excess rain, sewage backup, a pipe burst, or other causes, we stand ready to visit your property’s rescue. Our technicians are certified and trained to manage crises like basement flood repair, mold removal, and water damage restoration Commack. We have over 280 offices located across North America that are ready to respond to your telephone 24/7/365.