One of the most devastating things that a homeowner has to deal with is a flooded basement. Whether it’s caused by burst pipes, storm damage, flooding waterways, or sewage issues, it’s important to act promptly when this situation occurs. Sometimes the best approach is to call a certified professional such as those at ‘58 Foundations who have the expertise to help with basement flooding.
What are some of the steps you will need to take to deal with a flooded basement?
Don’t Enter Unless it is Safe
If there are appliances or power outlets in your basement, you need to make sure the power is turned off to avoid an electric shock. If your circuit breaker is located in a flooded area, you should call your utility provider or a professional for help. You also want to make sure the water is not contaminated before you enter the area.
Stop the Water Flow if Possible
While not always possible, if you can keep water from continuing to flow into your house, that would be helpful. Sometimes it’s as simple as turning off a water main. If a natural disaster is a culprit, perhaps sandbags would help.
Pump Out Basement
It’s important to dry out your basement to prevent mold. If there is sewage or other toxicity presents, hire a professional. If you decide to remove the water yourself, you will need a specific sump pump or wet/dry equipment to safely do the job.
Dehumidifiers and Industrial Drying Fans
These products will help completely dry the area. It’s important to promptly and completely dry the area to prevent mold.
Ways to Prevent Water Damage
There are also steps you can take to make sure if flooding happens, the damage is minimized. These methods include:
- Quality Basement Waterproofing: ’58 Foundations uses a heavy-duty waterproofing channel that drains more water. It sits deeper and can be larger than the standard so that even heavy rains are dealt with. This helps to ensure your basement is not damaged even in bad weather.
- Crawlspace Encapsulation: When a crawlspace is properly sealed, it creates a cleaner and healthier environment. A proper encapsulation helps keep the space dry and mold and allergen-free. Since the air inside your home will also be less humid with a sealed crawlspace, heating and cooling bills may go down.
- Foundation Repair: Homeowners often overlook the importance of maintaining their home’s foundation. However, if a problem occurs in this crucial area, it can have a huge impact on the safety and appearance of your property. You need the best materials, such as steel and carbon fiber products that will effectively stabilize and repair your foundation.
- Mold Removal: You not only have to remove the mold, but also make sure it won’t be back. For this, you need to identify and address the source of the issue.
As you can see, tackling water damage to your house can be a complex endeavor that requires expertise and knowledge. You should call professionals to help prevent, resolve and repair the damage caused by a flooded basement.
