If your basement has flooded, you need to act quickly to minimize the damage. Depending on the type of flooding, you may need to have the basement cleaned up and dried out right away, or you could face extensive damage. If your basement is flooded, the following tips will help you clean up and dry out the basement quickly.
Sump pump failure
A flooded basement is not only an unpleasant experience, but it can also be dangerous. The water can damage wood, flooring, and walls, causing them to rot. Additionally, many pests and insects love wet and dark places, making your basement a prime entrance point for them. Fortunately, many of these problems can be prevented if you simply have a sump pump.
If you suspect your sump pump is failing, call a professional to come out and inspect it. These professionals have the tools necessary to repair your drainage system and prevent future flooded basements. They also know what to look for during an inspection, and can suggest a course of action that will suit your needs and your budget. In some cases, a professional plumber may be able to fix your sump pump problem for free.
Sewer backup
Sewer backups are an expensive problem to have to deal with. The good news is that most floods are slow, giving the homeowner time to call a plumbing service. If, however, basement is flooded the basement floods rapidly, a sewer backup is a very real possibility. It is also a health hazard. If you suspect a sewer backup, you should contact your local public works department and sewer department immediately.
In many cases, sewer backups are caused by damage to the sewer lines or tree roots infiltration. A sewer backup is often the first sign of other plumbing problems. It can also occur during heavy rains, which can overwhelm the city sewer system.
Electrical system failure
When your basement is flooded, you may need to contact an electrician or power company to determine whether your electrical system is damaged or not. If your home’s electrical system has been damaged, you should contact your power company to disconnect it. Do not touch electrical equipment while it is wet. In the meantime, use a wet vac to remove a few inches of standing water. If you don’t have one, you can borrow one or rent one from a friend. If the water damage is severe, it may be best to contact a water damage specialist. A wet vac will remove some of the water, but you may need a professional to remove water from larger areas. You can also use towels to wipe up water. However, remember to wash and dry them afterward to prevent mold growth.
If you’ve flooded your basement and the water has caused a large amount of damage to your home’s foundation, the flooding can also disrupt the electrical system in your home. Before you attempt to disconnect electricity from your basement, you should always shut off the main power supply to the house. You should be very careful when removing power from your house because wood is not a good conductor of electricity. If you can’t reach your main breaker, try using a stick or broom handle to turn off the main breakers. Also, remove fuses from your appliances.
Plumbing problem
Sewage back-up is a common cause of flooded basements. The sewer system can become overwhelmed after heavy rainfall or snow melting, allowing sewage to flow upwards. This problem normally starts on the outside of the home, on the street, but it can also result from a rising water table in the basement. Sewage back-up can occur because of urban development, which can obstruct natural drainage areas.
A plumbing flood can damage your home and belongings. It’s essential to figure out what the cause is and get help as soon as possible. The first step is to shut off the water supply. This will stop the leak in the plumbing system and minimize any damage while you wait for the repairs.