Standing water in your basement is a serious breeding ground for some nasty bacteria and fungi.
A flooded basement is an actual concern for a lot of homeowners. Depending on your cellar stairs, finding an indoor swimming pool could lead to worries of water damage, mold, and ruined personal belongings. Standing water is a serious breeding ground for some nasty bacteria and fungi. It is not necessarily a lost cause if your basement does flood, though. If you’re trying to figure out what to do in the event of a flooded basement, read on!
Immediate Actions
The very first step to take when you notice a basement that is flooded is to turn off the electricity that might be affected by the water. You and your family’s safety is the top priority. Next, figure out where the water is coming from. If it is a broken pipe from some faulty plumbing, shut the water off. If it is from a storm, wait until it is over to try any cleanup type. Once the water is stopped, get rid of the standing water. A few foundations have a drain built-in to minimize damage during a basement flood. If your basement has one, but there is still water, check to see if it is not clogged by debris. This is a very simple and efficient way to get rid of unwanted water. If there is no drain, then the water must be pumped out with a sump pump or pool pump.
Save Your Possessions
Because so many people use their basement for storage, a flood could jeopardize the integrity of a lot of different personal belongings. Once the water is gone, remove everything from the wet area and place it all in a warm, sunny, and dry environment. Clothing and pictures could be placed on blankets in your yard. a solid 48 hours out in the sun is best when drying out those smaller items.
Cleanup
Once you have cleared the flooded basement, it is time to clean up. Rip up any carpets if you have any. Carpet can trap water and create mold if left untouched for too long. Remove drywall or insulation that was underwater as these can also become infected with mold or bacteria. Air circulation is an excellent way to put out your space. Ask a professional plumber for cleanup advice as well.
Damage Restoration
The water is out, your possessions are dry, and the damaged walls, flooring, and insulation have all been removed. Now comes the daunting task: damage restoration. An insurance company will help you with this, but make sure to let them know what happened for proper assistance.
Get in Touch With B&D Today!
Dealing with any plumbing concerns that require a professional to step in? Struggling with an absolute plumbing emergency that can’t wait? Let B&D Plumbing know. B&D Plumbing Inc. services the greater Washington D.C. metropolitan area, including Maryland and Northern Virginia. Get in touch with us by calling (301) 595-1141 or follow us on social media, including Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn, and Pinterest. As a small, family-owned business, we understand how important your home is—and we offer exceptional service that matches!