Basement Flooding: What to Do and Who to Call?

Many people may not know what to do if their basement floods or how to stop basement flooding! If you walk into your basement and find water seeping in, it can be hard to know what to do first. We’ll cover the typical causes of flooding and what you need to do to protect your home right away.

Why Do Basements Flood?

Your basement can flood for various reasons, such as a poor drainage system, cracks in the foundation, improper grading of the yard, and heavy rainfall. To prevent basement flooding, you need to take necessary preventive measures to keep your basement dry and clean.

If you see even a minor crack in your foundation, water can seep in. That’s why it’s important to seal all cracks to prevent water seepage and moisture buildup around your foundation.

When constructing or buying a home, ensure that the ground around it slopes away from the foundation. This grading directs rainwater and snowmelt away from the foundation.

7 Immediate Steps to Take After Basement Flooding

When your basement floods, excessive water seepage can be quite overwhelming. However, it is important to take the right steps after the flood to protect your belongings and home.

Here are the immediate actions that need to be taken after your basement floods:

Step 1: Turn Off the Power and Gas

Whenever your basement floods, you should prioritize your safety first. So, first of all, shut off your electricity and gas to avoid electrical accidents. It’s important to cut off your gas and power supply to keep you and your family safe.

Step 2: Remove Standing Water

Next, start removing the standing water as fast as possible. You can use items like old towels to remove excess water. However, if there is a lot of water, it might be more convenient to use buckets to manage water levels. You can also use a wet vacuum to get rid of water.

Step 3: Move Important Items to a Dry Area

After removing the standing water from your basement, you should focus on moving all your valuable belongings to a clean, dry area. You should prioritize moving furniture, electronics, or sentimental items first, as they are more prone to water damage. This will help you minimize the impact of water and simplify your cleanup process later.

Step 4: Dry Out the Area

You can use dehumidifiers, fans, and air conditioners to dry out your basement quickly. However, small steps like opening windows and doors are important to remove excessive moisture. Drying out all areas of your basement promptly prevents mold and mildew growth and pest infestation.

Step 5: Clean and Disinfect

Once your basement area is dry, start cleaning and disinfecting surfaces with soap and water or other cleaning agents. Flood water contains bacteria that can lead to mold formation. So, it’s important to clean your basement thoroughly after removing the contaminated water. A thorough cleaning keeps your basement safe and helps you get rid of bad odors and harmful bacteria.

Step 6: Clear Out Damaged Items and Restore

Inspect your belongings, such as furniture, carpet, drywall, and insulation. If they have absorbed water and are beyond repair, replace them with new ones. While restoring your basement, it’s important to get rid of wet and water-damaged materials to prevent further issues.

Step 7: Call a Professional

No matter how small or big the damage, it’s better to seek professional basement waterproofing services to prevent basement flooding in the future. A professional team ensures water damage restoration and handles basement flooding effectively by providing tailored solutions. They identify the underlying issues and provide comprehensive solutions to restore your home’s structural integrity.

Effective Methods to Prevent Basement Flooding

Here are some effective methods to prevent basement flooding in your home:

• Install a Sump Pump: One of the most effective ways to prevent basement flooding is by installing an industry-standard sump pump. It’s better to consider installing a battery backup sump pump, which will keep your basement dry even during a power outage. A sump pump automatically activates when water levels in a sump pit rise and will pump water out of your home through a discharge line.
• Seal Cracks and Openings: Water can find its way into the basement, even through small cracks and openings. So, if you see any cracks in the walls of your basement, consider sealing them immediately. It’s better to hire a professional to seal larger cracks. They use effective sealing solutions and can also identify the cause of any structural damage.
• Improve Drainage Systems: When your drainage system doesn’t work properly, water will accumulate in the basement, leading to structural issues. That’s why you should consider installing a proper drainage system to redirect water away from your foundation. This system reduces the risk of property damage by preventing basement flooding.
• Regular Maintenance: Regular maintenance is as important as installing a proper drainage system. It ensures that your basement waterproofing system works properly and prevents basement floods. Regular maintenance also protects your foundation and basement and enhances your home’s value.

Who to Call for Basement Waterproofing?

If you’re looking for reliable basement waterproofing services, First Choice Waterproofing is the right company for you. Our experienced team has over 30 years of experience providing effective waterproofing solutions. We aim to provide long-lasting solutions to restore your house’s structural integrity.

Our comprehensive, tailored basement waterproofing services include the following:

• Affordable and transparent pricing options
• Free on-site inspections and consultation
• Tailored solutions based on your basement’s underlying issues
• Effective and timely project completion
• Friendly and professional team
• Use of advanced technologies and high-quality materials
• Customer-centric approach and clear communication

Schedule an appointment with us for reliable basement waterproofing services!

Waterproof Your Basement Today!

It’s important to take organized action to protect your home and belongings from basement floods. You need to take preventative measures to keep your home dry. However, if basement flooding does occur in your basement, it’s necessary to take immediate steps.

To prevent flooding, we recommend you hire a professional basement waterproofing team to ensure peace of mind. First Choice Waterproofing provides tailored basement waterproofing solutions to ensure your home remains dry all year round.