Did you know that anytime there’s excess moisture on the ground, your basement is at risk of flooding? There doesn’t have to be a heavy rain to floor your basement. Light showers and melting ice or snow can be enough to cause a lot of damage underground. Your first reaction in the event of a basement flood will likely be shock, followed by a little bit of panic, but we’re here to help! Take a deep breath and follow these steps in the event of a basement flood.
Contact the Water Department
You’ll need to contact your local water department so they can check the status of the sewer mainline around your home. If it’s in poor condition, repairs will need to be made by the city. If it’s in good condition, you’ll know for sure that the flood was caused entirely by basement issues in your home.
Cover Up
Before you enter the flooded basement, you need to cover all areas of exposed skin. Boots, gloves, and eye protection are essential. Don’t wear your protective gear into other areas of the home after entering the flooded basement because you could spread contaminants throughout the home. Keep children and pets away from the basement until it’s cleaned up.
Disinfect Contaminated Surfaces
Once you’ve gotten the flood water mopped and disposed of, mix 8 tablespoons of bleach with 1 gallon of water. Use this mixture to disinfect any area of the basement that was touched by the floodwater. Don’t keep any items that were in the basement that got contaminated by the water. Instead, take photos to provide your insurance company and then dispose of the contaminated items. If the flood is severe, a professional cleanup company may be needed to restore your basement.
Preventing Future Basement Floods
Prevention is the best route when it comes to basement floods. Begin prevention by contacting your insurance company and checking that you have flood insurance. Then, hire a professional company to snake your drain lines and install a waterproofing system. Installing a waterproofing system is the most efficient way to prevent future floods and increases your home’s resale value.
For more information on professional basement flood prevention, contact us at B-DRY today! Our team of basement experts is ready to help you keep your home safe and lower your risk of future basement floods.
