What Should I Do If My Basement Floods?

Flooded basements are common in specific regions, especially during late winter and early spring, when snow and ice begins to thaw. Your basement can also flood due to bursting pipes, inclement weather or a shift in your home’s foundation. The fix for a flooded basement largely depends upon the cause.

Immediate Steps to Take After Your Basement Floods

A flooded basement can be alarming, and you often don’t have much time to react. Keep the following in mind as you try to address the situation.

Turn off electricity to area before wading through water.
Suck up water with a bucket or wet vacuum.
Call a basement contractor, sub-pump installer or foundation contractor.
Call a flood cleanup crew to clean and remove damaged items.
Rip out and replace any fabric or carpeting.
Call an electrician if electrical items have been exposed to water.
Have a repairperson assess appliances before you operate them if they have been in standing water.
Remove valuable items until the basement is free of water.

How to Prevent a Basement Flood

There are certain steps you can take to help prevent your basement from flooding, by fixing any noticeable damage right away. Each type of damage requires specific course of action:

Windows and Vents—Fix the sealants around any damaged windows and vents. You can fix the sealant yourself or call a window installer or basement remodeler.
Foundation—Cracks and damage to the foundation should be fixed by a foundation repair specialist. The professional will determine the cause of the cracks and can repair the foundation.
Overly-Saturated Soil—Call a professional to assess your roof, gutters and landscaping. A landscaper can also create French drains, which aid in directing water away from the house.
Plumbing—For any plumbing issues, call an appliance repairperson or a plumber right away.

The Dangers of Flood-Damaged Basements

Homeowners can be exposed to mold and mildew when their basements flood regularly. These contaminants can lead to sneezing, eye and skin irritation, and stuffiness. Mold often exacerbates allergies, respiratory issues and asthma. Additionally, structural weakness can occur from frequent water damage to your home’s foundation. Not only do regular floods cost a lot to fix, but they also negatively affect your home’s value. According to MSN Real Estate, a home’s value can decrease by as much as 15% due to allergens alone.

Take steps to protect your basement from flooding, and by taking appropriate measures when your basement does flood, you can repair as much damage as possible.

McLay Services, Inc. Blog