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Flooded Basement? Here’s What You Need to Do

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Heavy rain, sump pump failure, burst pipes, and sewer backups can all contribute to basement flooding and ultimately cause structural damage, ruined belongings, and potential health hazards. After a basement flood, it’s crucial to act quickly by stopping water at the source, documenting damage, contacting your homeowners insurance, and reaching out to a water damage restoration company you can trust. The AfterCare Restoration team will provide thorough remediation services, including water removal, drying, disinfecting, structural repairs, and mold prevention. Partnering with water damage professionals like us ensures your basement is safely and effectively restored, minimizing stress and long-term damage.

Apart from a house fire, a flooded basement can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Basement flooding typically leads to structural damage to the home or building, as well as damage to any personal belongings stored in the area, leaving homeowners or property owners overwhelmed, frustrated, and disheartened after the fact.

While the road to basement restoration can seem daunting, knowing the proper steps to take following a basement flooding can significantly reduce stress and improve the remediation process. In this article, we’re looking at common reasons why basements can flood, the immediate actions you should take after your basement has flooded, and detailed steps for complete water damage restoration.

Common Reasons for a Flooded Basement

Understanding how and why basements can flood is the first step toward prevention and effective response:

Heavy Rain and Storms

Excessive rainwater can oversaturate the ground, which overwhelms drainage systems and causes water to accumulate with nowhere to go. As the water level continues to rise, water can begin seeping into the basement through foundational cracks or gaps, doors and windows, etc.

Failed Sump Pumps

While sump pumps are intended to prevent basement flooding, sump pump failure can quickly lead to extensive flooding.

Common reasons a sump pump can fail to work properly:

  • It becomes overwhelmed with too much water
  • Its mechanical components malfunction or fail
  • It stops operating because of a power outage

Burst or Leaking Pipes

Basements often feature water lines and plumbing pipes that feed water to the rest of the house. If a pipe in the basement bursts or leaks, it can cause the area to fill with water, quickly leading to a flooded basement.

Sewer Backup

The used water from your sinks, showers, and toilets drains into either a septic system or a city-operated sewer system. If there is a problem with the system that receives your water—such as failed draining mechanisms, system overload, or blockages—contaminated water can back up into your home and potentially flood the basement.

Immediate Actions to Take When Your Basement Floods

Man walks around his flooded basement with rubber boots on.

Prioritize Safety First:

  • Electricity: Turn off electricity (if safely accessible) to avoid electrocution.
  • Protection: Avoid stepping into the pooled water without proper PPE (personal protection equipment), as it may contain contaminants or hidden hazards.

Stop Water at the Source:

  • Shut off the main water supply if the flooding is due to plumbing.
  • Repair or replace the sump pump as soon as possible if it’s the cause.

Document the Damage:

  • Take clear, detailed photos and videos of the flood and damaged areas for insurance purposes.
  • Make notes of damaged items and structural issues.

Contact Your Insurance Company:

  • Report the flooding as soon as possible to determine coverage.
  • Follow your company’s instructions closely to expedite claims processing.

Detailed Steps to Manage a Flooded Basement

Step 1: Water Removal

The first and most obvious step following a flooded basement is removing the standing water from the area. If you’re dealing with a small amount of water, a wet-dry vacuum may do the trick. Still, chances are you will need heavy-duty equipment operated by a team of water damage restoration professionals.

Step 2: Dry Out Your Basement

Once the water is removed, it’s vital to ensure the area is completely dry. You may need to use a combination of industrial-grade fans, dehumidifiers, and other water removal and air circulation tools until all the moisture is removed or evaporated.

Step 3: Clean and Disinfect

Whether it’s from rainfall, burst pipes, or sewage issues, floodwater in the basement is never pure. It’s often filled with bacteria and other contaminants that can remain on the surface of affected walls, floors, and belongings. Disinfecting or even replacing materials like carpet, drywall, insulation, upholstered furniture, and other water-absorbent items is a must.

Step 4: Inspect and Repair Structural Damage

Water has a way of damaging things you wouldn’t suspect. A professional water damage remediation expert can evaluate the area to assess any structural damage the flood may have caused and recommend repair options.

Step 5: Prevent Mold Growth

Mold is notorious for appearing in affected areas following a flood. It’s vital to treat the basement with antifungal solutions and install ventilation systems to control the humidity and prevent mold from growing and spreading.

Partner With Water Removal and Restoration Professionals

Partnering with a trusted water damage restoration team following a flood takes the load off immensely during the mitigation and restoration process. Whether your flood involves issues like sewage or chemical contamination, structural damage, mold growth, or excessive water buildup, the right team of experts has the tools and resources to handle the remediation and cleanup process effectively and efficiently.

Experiencing a basement flood is daunting, but the team at AfterCare Restoration is ready to respond quickly and correctly to greatly minimize damage. For expert help dealing with basement flooding and water damage restoration, contact us today!

If You Have Experienced a Flooded Basement Recently, Contact AfterCare Restoration to Begin the Water Mitigation and Restoration Process: 215.515.1000

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