A basement flood is a big trouble for every home owner. Besides property damage, it also indicates that something is wrong with the drainage system and waterproofing. It’s important to know what to do if your basement floods and to promptly address all issues to prevent the appearance of mould, fungus, and even the destruction of the building’s structure.
Immediate Actions to Take After a Basement Flood
Quick action can protect your home from long-term consequences and reduce repair costs. Regardless of the water source — burst pipes, rain, or foundation cracks — remaining calm and knowing what to do when your basement floods is essential.
Stay Safe First
Your safety comes first! Before entering the basement, make sure you’re not in danger:
- Turn off the electricity.
- Check for gas leaks.
- Wear protective gear before entering the water.
If you’re not 100% certain it’s safe, avoid touching the water and wait for professionals.
Identifying the Source of the Flood
To stop the water flow and prevent future incidents, identify why your basement flooded.
Possible causes include:
- Problems with gutters or the drainage system;
- Cracks in walls or floors;
- Burst water or sewer pipes.
Additionally, consider weather conditions and groundwater levels.
Halt the Flow of Water
When you see that the basement flooding, then what to do next? If possible, you need to eliminate the source of the water:
- shut off valves for burst pipes;
- install water barriers;
- seal any cracks.
If the water keeps coming, contact professionals immediately.
Remove Standing Water
To avoid the appearance of mould, it is important to get rid of standing water in the basement as quickly as possible.
In the case of a large amount of water, use a drainage or submersible pump, or contact specialized companies for help.
If the flooding is minor, you can use rags and special sponges.
Assess the Damage
First, call your insurance company and report the incident, they will tell you what to do when your basement floods.
Next, you need to take photos and videos of the basement flooding and the items that were damaged.
If you bought something or did emergency repairs before the insurance representative arrives, be sure to keep all receipts and reports.
Dealing with Water Damage and Clean-Up
After you have quickly removed the water from the basement, you can relax and move on to dealing with the aftermath and cleaning.
Drying Out Your Basement
It is important to thoroughly dry the basement after flooding to prevent the growth of mould. For this, you can use large fans, dehumidifiers, and heaters.
Also, don’t forget to regularly ventilate the room to prevent unpleasant odors.
Removing Contaminated Items
It’s time to deal with the damaged property:
- remove wet carpet, drywall, and insulation;
- take outside items that can no longer be restored (appliances, boxes, upholstered furniture, etc.).
Items of furniture that can still be saved should be moved to a well-ventilated area and allowed to dry.
Prevent Mold Growth
It is important to thoroughly dry the basement and treat it with special disinfectants within the first two days after flooding to prevent mould growth. In the future, the best solution will be to contact specialists and carry out interior waterproofing of the basement.
Preventing Future Flooding
Anyone who has experienced a flooded basement will do everything possible to ensure it never happens again.
There are certain recommendations that will reduce the risks:
- periodically check the condition of the basement waterproofing;
- perform regular maintenance on drains and pipes;
- adjust the landscaping;
- ensure you have an automatic water drainage system.
Follow these, and your basement will always stay dry.
Fixing Drainage Problems
What to do when your basement floods from rain? To prevent such issues, it’s worth installing a french drain Toronto, which will allow water to drain away from the house, and regularly clean the gutters, drains, and drainage systems of debris. You should also check the water supply and sewage pipes for leaks.
Waterproofing Basement Walls
Check if there are any cracks or holes in the walls and floors of your basement. If necessary, update or install a more effective waterproofing basement walls Toronto.
Regular Maintenance Checks
To ensure the entire system works flawlessly, you need to:
- Regularly clean the gutters of debris and check their slope.
- Repair foundations Toronto to prevent cracks.
- Protect pipes and gutters from freezing and check their condition.
- Monitor leaks.
It’s better to find the problem early and prevent a tragedy than to look at a basement flooded and not know what to do.
When to Call a Professional
Call professionals when you don’t know what to do if basement floods.
Experts from Quality Age Build have many years of expertise and possess all the necessary skills to prevent flooding and handle the aftermath.
Conclusion
Water in the basement is stressful for anyone. But if you notice a flooded basement again, now you know what to do.
Stay safe, stay calm, and contact trusted specialists to prevent future incidents.
FAQs
What equipment do I need to remove standing water from my basement?
To remove standing water from your basement, you can use the following equipment:
- drainage or submersible pumps;
- mobile pumping stations;
- manual water removal tools.
When should I call a professional if my basement is flooded?
You will need professional help in the following cases:
- damage to waterproofing or building structure;
- a large amount of water with debris;
- high groundwater levels;
- unidentified cause of flooding.
Or if you do not have the necessary equipment to handle the aftermath.
How can I avoid mold growth after a basement flood?
To prevent mould growth in the basement, you need to remove the water, thoroughly dry the area, and treat it with disinfectants. It is also important to accurately identify and eliminate the root cause of the problem.
