Major summer storms and winter meltdowns prove that our basement is susceptible to flooding year-round. Here's how to handle a flooded basement in your home.
Safety First
If the fuse box is unaffected, turn off the power to your home. Put on rubber boots and use a mop handle to reach the on-off switch. If you don't want to touch any electrical device, call a licensed electrician.
Wear The Right Clothes
Wear an old long-sleeved shirt, waterproof rubber boots and gloves, and a protective face mask. Because floating dirt, bacteria, and pathogens are in the untreated water, mold and mildew spores are forming. It's important to wear the right clothes and avoid inhaling anything hazmat.
Drain The Basement
If the water in your basement is a few feet deep, go slowly. If you extract the water too fast, you create the equivalent of a low-pressure system in a confined space. This could cause the basement walls to cave in.
If the water in the basement in an inch or two, mop it up and dump it in the nearest drain.
Clear The Space
Move objects that are in the way like boxes, furniture, and rugs. (if you have a carpet, call a professional carpet cleaning service before you tear out the carpet. That could cost you a whole new floor.)
Once everything is removed and displaced to a drier area, act with speed. This avoids bacteria, mold, and mildew growth in the basement.
Open windows to allow continuous airflow. Gather every fan and dehumidifier, and move it downstairs.
Note: Don’t use any electric-powered appliances that were submerged underwater until you consult a professional.
Dry Out
As the room dries, bring in cleaning supplies. Start with the walls and use a mixture of 5 gallons of clean water and a cup of bleach. If the floor is bare, clean it by using the same proportions. Be thorough, and hit all areas that may have touched the unwanted germs.
For good measure, run the fans and dehumidifier for a few days to clear out pathogens and mold. For more plumbing tips, download Warner Service's Plumbing Troubleshooting Checklist. Click on the button below to get started:
