A flooded basement is an extremely dangerous situation for property owners. The water will continue to rise until it finds its way out of the home, and that can happen very quickly if the house isn’t properly designed to handle flooding conditions. If you live in a flood plain or near a body of water, this can be even more worrisome; with a flooded basement, you’re taking on the risk of your home being washed away by flood waters.
If you’ve experienced a flood in your basement, then you know how devastating that can be. This can be a stressful time. You need to deal with the aftermath, but you also want to make sure there are no lasting effects from the flood. That’s why it’s important to act quickly once floodwaters have left your basement.
You don’t want to wait too long after a flood has occurred, because when floodwaters recede, they usually go down into cracks and crevices. A small amount of water can cause those cracks to enlarge over time, which could result in serious damage to your home.
Floods aren’t just found in natural environments; they can occur anywhere water gathers. When floodwaters find their way into a basement, they can cause a number of problems. Here are some ways that a flooded basement can affect your home:
– Water Damage –
The most common problem you’ll run into with a flooded basement is water damage. It’s possible for floodwater to seep into your walls and floors, causing mold to grow. Mold spores can contaminate your air supply and spread throughout your home.
Mold can make you sick. It can cause asthma attacks, allergic reactions, headaches, and other symptoms. In extreme cases, people who suffer from allergies or asthma may develop life threatening illnesses from mold exposure.
It’s not only toxic mold that can pose a health threat. There are many different types of bacteria floating around in floodwaters, which can cause infection if they come into contact with cuts and open wounds. Some of these bacterial infections are especially dangerous for infants, children, and elderly adults.
– Loss Of Structural Integrity –
Another thing you should look out for when dealing with a flooded basement is structural issues. The water pressure inside the basement can put stress on the foundation, causing cracks. These cracks can allow moisture and dirt to enter the structure, which will further weaken it. Once moisture enters a building, it can cause rot and drywall to crack. This can lead to major structural problems, which could require expensive repairs.
The longer you leave the water in your basement, the greater the chance that this will happen. That’s why it’s so important to get rid of all standing water as soon as possible. If your home has a sump pump, use it frequently. When the sump pump runs constantly, it won’t be able to remove enough water to prevent water damage.
If you haven’t had a sump pump installed before, consider having one installed. Sump pumps are relatively inexpensive, and they’re a lifesaver in case of emergency. They help protect your home from floodwaters and provide a secondary line of defense against water intrusion.
– Debris Accumulation –
If the basement floods and you don’t take action fast enough, there’s a good chance that debris will collect along the floor. This debris includes everything from mud, dirt, paper towels, food particles, clothing, and more.
This isn’t something you should worry about too much, but if the debris buildup becomes a nuisance, you may have to deal with it yourself. If it’s a large amount, however, you may need to hire a professional. Professional cleaners will be able to vacuum up the debris and haul it away for disposal.
There’s nothing wrong with doing this yourself. Just make sure that you clean out the gutters and drains regularly, and keep them clear of debris. Also, make sure there’s plenty of ventilation in your house, so that the smells from the cleaning products won’t linger.
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If you want to avoid having to deal with debris accumulation yourself, you might want to invest in a dehumidifier. These devices work by using water vapor rather than water itself. This allows the humidity level in your place to stay low, which helps reduce the amount of mold.
– Risk To Your Health –
If the floodwaters are contaminated with sewage or chemicals, you’re putting yourself at increased risk of contracting diseases. This can happen anytime floodwaters enter a building, but it’s particularly concerning if floodwaters contain human waste, raw sewage, industrial waste, or any chemicals that are hazardous to humans.
If floodwaters contain any of these things, it’s important that you call a professional right away. The sooner you do that, the better. If you let the floodwaters linger for too long, you’ll increase the chances of getting sick.
Once you determine that you need to remove the water from your basement, you need to make sure that you follow proper safety precautions. Make sure that all of the power is cut off before you begin working. Always wear protective gear such as boots, gloves, eye protection, and masks. And never go inside a wet basement without making sure that it’s completely dry.
Make sure that you check for leaks before you begin the cleanup process. Use a flashlight to inspect behind furniture, under appliances, and other areas where floodwaters normally gather. Be careful, though. Even if you think you’ve found a leak, it may be difficult to pinpoint exactly where the leak is coming from.
Once you’ve determined that you have no leaks, you can begin draining the water in your basement. First, turn off the faucets, toilets, and bathtubs. Then, you’ll need to use a bucket to scoop up the water and drain it into a larger container. Once the water starts flowing downward, you can start removing the standing water.
When you drain the water, you want to make sure that you’re not going to cause additional damage. For example, if you drain the water into a sink basin, you won’t be able to move the basin when you’re done. Instead, you should drain the water into a garbage can, toilet tank, or similar receptacle.
After you finish draining the water, you can begin to mop up the excess water. Take care using the mop, though. When you use a sponge to mop up the water, you run the risk of spreading the water, which increases the likelihood of contamination. Instead, you should use a mop with absorbent fibers.
After you’ve finished cleaning up the basement, you should consider hiring a professional to test the area for hidden leaks. Any signs of leakage will need to be addressed immediately, so that you can avoid further damage.
While you may feel like you’re in a crisis when you first experience a flood in your basement, the best thing you can do is get back to normal as soon as possible. After a flood, your home will likely need a lot of repair work if you’ve been affected by floodwaters. However, you can avoid some of this work if you plan ahead.
Here are some tips to follow for handling a flood in your basement:
– Get a Good Night’s Sleep –
After a disaster occurs, you shouldn’t try to get anything done immediately. Getting a good night’s sleep is essential. It will give your body the rest it needs to heal and recover.
– Stay Away From Scary Stories –
Don’t let the media scare you. Flooding is very rare, and it tends to happen in rural regions. Most urban areas aren’t prone to flooding, so there’s no reason to fear it.
– Call a Professional –
Flood cleanup companies are available 24/7, and they offer affordable rates. They’ll take care of the cleanup work while you focus on healing.
– Maintain Normalcy –
Keep your home as close to normal as possible. Avoid bringing in heavy objects, and stay away from areas that’ve already been damaged.
– Check With Insurance Companies –
Before you go through the hassle of repairing your home, make sure that you talk to your insurance company. They’ll help you determine what kind of coverage you’ll receive, and whether or not you qualify for any discounts.
– Start Planning –
When you’re ready to rebuild your home, start planning now. Find out what type of insurance policies you currently have, and compare them to see what new plans would cost.
By following these steps, you can ensure that your home is protected against future flooding, and you can enjoy the peace of mind that comes with having your home repaired.
