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Basement Flood And How To Avoid Water Damage

Basements are extremely prone to flooding due to their low lying locations and the fact that water prefers to flow downhill.  98% of basements will suffer some type of water damage at some point, and while it cannot be totally prevented, there are steps you can take to minimize the damage.

Believing the best defense is a good offense, I recommend that you should be proactive in checking your basement for smaller problems such as leaking pipes, broken window seals, cracks in the walls, clogged drains, malfunctioning sump pits, etc.   Remember that even the smallest leak can become a lake if ignored long enough, and repairing these problems as they occur can prevent bigger problems later on.

If the worst happens and you do end up with waterfront property downstairs, it is important to act quickly, but intelligently.  The faster the water is cleaned up, and everything dried out, the less damage can occur.

Be sure to shut off the electricity to your basement before entering.  Heck, just play it safe and shut it off to the whole house.

Wear appropriate protective, waterproof clothing when working in flood waters.  If mold is present, utilize a protective face mask to filter any harmful spores.

Use a shop-vac or a pump to remove the excess water from your basement.  Open windows and doors and use fans and dehumidifiers to remove any residual moisture.  Allow a day or two for drying.

If your electrical system and any appliances have been in contact with flood waters, have them checked out by a qualified electrician before using them again.

Once the water is out and surfaces are dry, make sure they are all thoroughly cleaned, disinfected, and sanitized.

For best results, contact your local IICRC certified water damage restoration company for help with all your basement water needs.