How to Deal With Basement Flooding

Getting a basement flooded is a disaster that needs to be dealt with quickly and efficiently. This is especially true if the water comes from a storm, or if the water was caused by a faulty pipe.

There are a few steps that you can take to help minimize the damage. First, try to determine the source of the flood and figure out how to prevent it from happening again.

Foundation cracks are a common reason for basement flooding as groundwater can seep through even during dry periods or when there is no rain. This type of problem can cause the basement walls and floors to become saturated with moisture which, in turn, causes drywall or flooring to mold.

Another common cause of basement flooding is that the foundation has not been sealed properly. If the exterior perimeter is not sprayed with a caulk that seals the wall/foundation, then groundwater can leak into the basement.

Other reasons for basement flooding include a poorly designed or broken drainage system. When a home is built, specific drainage areas are created to ensure that water is not directed toward the house. However, over time, landscape changes can cause these drainage areas to be ineffective at allowing water to drain away from the house.

Sometimes a simple change to the landscape can solve this issue and prevent future problems with basement flooding. For instance, a French drain can be installed to direct runoff away from the house and reduce the hydrostatic pressure on the basement walls.

If the basement is flooded due to a burst pipe, turn off the water supply to that area. This will allow you to access the pipe and find the cause of the issue without having to walk through a flooded basement area.

Once you know the source of the basement flooding, you can start to clean it up and repair it. While you’re doing this, be careful to remove the contaminated items that may be in the basement. If you need to move these things, put them in a safe place, like a storage unit or another dry space.

After removing all the wet items, start cleaning up the rest of the basement. This will be a messy job, but it’s important to remove any trash that has been left in the flooded basement as well.

Make sure to wear rubber boots and gloves, a face mask and any other safety gear that you might need for the cleanup process. If the water is deep, you might need to wear hip or chest waders.

Lastly, don’t forget to turn off the electricity to the flooded area, as you may be at risk of an electrical shock from the standing water. If you can’t do this safely, call a licensed electrician to do it for you.

Ultimately, the goal is to remove all the wet items in the basement and fix the plumbing or other issues that were causing the problem. Once this is done, the basement should be dried out and restored. This will help you get your home back to normal as soon as possible, so that you don’t have to deal with a flooded basement again in the future.