4 Most Important Steps to Take After a Basement Flood

A flooded basement is a serious hazard. It causes significant damage to your property and poses a threat to your family’s health and safety.

Here, we’ll provide a step-by-step guide on what to do when your basement floods, including how to clean up the mess and prevent future flooding. We’ll also discuss why it’s best to work with professionals who can install effective waterproofing solutions to mitigate the possibility of a basement flood.

What to Do Immediately After a Basement Flood

Basement floods are no joke—they’re likely to cause high amounts of damage. How you react next can help to keep your home and loved ones safe from any more issues. Let’s look at the best things to do immediately after your basement has flooded.

1. Ensure Safety

Before you even begin to assess the damage, make sure everyone in your home is safe. Preferably, don’t let anyone (even yourself) near the flooding. If the water in your basement has reached electrical outlets, there’s a chance the water could shock you.

Get all people and animals to a safe location and then contact a professional to come out and assess the damage for you. Safety is always the number one priority in situations like these. Don’t take any unnecessary risks!

2. Clean the Basement

Once you’ve ensured your family’s safety, the next step is to clean up the mess left by the flood. Make sure to call a professional to help with this process for the safest and most effective clean-up.

Remove any standing water using a sump pump or a wet-dry vacuum. A regular mop and a bucket will suffice if you don’t have this appliance. Afterward, dry out the affected area using fans and/or a dehumidifier.

Remember that floodwater may contain hazardous materials such as raw sewage and chemicals. Therefore, protective gear is needed during the clean-up process. All surfaces should be disinfected as well.

JES installer wiping down a basement wall.

3. Assess and Salvage Personal Items

After you have drained the basement, assessing which items have survived the flooding is crucial and which are beyond repair is crucial. It can be heartbreaking to see cherished belongings destroyed by water damage, but the first step is to salvage anything that can be saved.

Items that can be salvaged should be moved out of the basement and into a well-ventilated area to dry. Wet drywall and insulation should be thrown out immediately since they are ideal for mold growth. Similarly, if you have carpeting in your basement, it should be removed to prevent the floor underneath from staying damp.

If you have items that can be saved but smell of mildew, consider taking them to a professional cleaner. Once you have cleared the basement, it is also important to lower humidity levels caused by the flood. This will help to prevent mold growth.

4. File an Insurance Claim

If your basement experiences significant flooding, it’s crucial to call a professional restoration company to assess the damage and provide necessary repairs. Depending on the extent of the damage, you may also need to call an electrician to ensure the safety of your home’s electrical system.

In addition to restoration and electrical professionals, contacting a plumber to fix any issues with your plumbing system that caused the flooding may also be necessary. Finally, check with your insurance company to see if your policy covers flood damage and what steps you need to take to file a claim.

What Causes a Basement Flood?

Basements flood for a number of reasons. Sometimes, these reasons appear together or the flooding might just come from one source. No matter the case, it’s a good idea to understand how and why a basement floods if you own one.

Here are the most common causes behind a basement flood that we’ve seen:

Basement wall cracks: allow groundwater to leak inside in multiple places.
Bowing basement walls: if ignored, the wall could burst and allow a high volume of water to flood the basement.
Burst pipes: damaged pipes will spray water everywhere in your basement.
Leaking windows: old, unprotected windows in your basement make it easy for water to slip through.
Natural disasters: heavy storms, like hurricanes, bring heavy rain and flooding to many areas.

Large crack in a concrete basement wall.

All of these situations are unfortunate, but if you prepare properly, you can avert basement flooding. Working with professionals to install basement waterproofing solutions is the best way to keep your basement prepared for the worst.

How to Prevent a Basement Flood

Preventing a basement flood is possible when you install a high-quality water management system inside your basement. Innovative Basement Authority has the tools to create comprehensive waterproofing protection in your basement.

Our suite of solutions includes:

When you have protection against all forms of basement moisture, it mitigates damage that can contribute to flooding and captures water before it can overtake your basement. Installing waterproofing tools like these is the best way to prevent floods from causing major damage to your basement.

Contact JES Foundation Repair to Prevent Future Basement Flooding

Consulting with a professional waterproofing company like JES helps you identify problems before they get worse and install the best solutions. If you’re experiencing basement flooding or want to prevent it from happening, contact our team at JES Foundation Repair to schedule a free inspection and learn more about your options for waterproofing your basement. Don’t let a basement flood ruin your memories and safety—follow these steps to keep your home and loved ones protected!

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Basement Waterproofing FAQs

How Long Does Basement Waterproofing Last?

As mentioned, some waterproofing solutions are temporary, whereas others can last longer if they’re more comprehensive. The type of waterproofing that involves interior drainage installed by a reliable contractor is a more permanent solution. Comparatively, sealant waterproofing lasts between one and two years, depending on the type of sealant you used.

Does a crack in my basement wall automatically mean I’ll have moisture problems?

Not necessarily. However, cracks, especially those that are widening or horizontal, can become entry points for moisture over time. Even if they’re not causing issues now, they might in the future. Regularly inspecting and addressing cracks early can prevent larger problems down the road. Contact JES Foundation Repair for an assessment of any cracks or potential vulnerabilities in your basement.

How often should I inspect my basement for signs of water intrusion?

It’s recommended to regularly check your basement, especially after heavy rainfalls or during seasons with increased precipitation. Monthly checks can help you spot early signs of water intrusion, allowing for timely intervention.

Phillip Mazzotta

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