Dealing with a flooded basement can be a frustrating and overwhelming situation. At first, it might seem like you don’t even know where to begin to make things better. But the most important first step is taking action. Working quickly and efficiently is the key to getting your home back in tip-top shape. Continue reading to learn more about what you can do if you ever find yourself with a flooded basement so you’re armed and prepared with the necessary knowledge now.
Is basement flooding common?
It can be. All it takes is one heavy rainstorm to flood a basement. When it rains, gutters and sewers can get clogged, or the pressure can build up in the soil causing the water to get pushed through your home’s foundation. This is why a basement floods during heavy rain.
But many homeowners take steps to prevent flooding their basements so they can avoid unnecessary damage and stress. The most common solution is installing a sump pump. These devices are recommended for homes near water, homes in low-lying areas, and homes in areas that receive lots of rain. They work by siphoning the water into a tank and then pushing the water away from your home once it reaches a certain level.
Is a flooded basement dangerous?
Potentially, yes. It’s always best to assume that the situation is dangerous and call for professional help rather than investigating the situation yourself. There are several different reasons why a flooded basement can be hazardous.
Firstly, if the water comes into contact with any wires or electrical components, there’s a risk of electrocution.
Secondly, if the basement is flooded with sewage or other chemical substances, these could lead to issues like skin rashes or serious illnesses.
Thirdly, mold and mildew can begin to grow in as little as 24 hours. These are known irritants for people with allergies and asthma, so unnecessary exposure should be avoided.
And lastly, standing water can lead to structural damage to the foundation of your home. Similar to if you have a slab leak, this problem can lead to serious damage that potentially ruins your entire home. If you handle the situation quickly, the risks aren’t high, but the longer you wait, the more likely it is for noticeable damage such as bowing walls or cracks in the walls or ceilings to show.
Can a flooded basement cause a fire?
Along with the perils mentioned above, a flooded basement can actually start a fire. It might not make sense that an area flooded with water could result in a fire but water damage commonly causes something called short circuit arcing where there is a break in an electrical circuit that leads to sparking.
Water damage also causes corrosion which can overheat the circuit, causing it to get so hot that it causes nearby objects such as curtains, furniture, or carpet to catch on fire.
My basement flooded—now what?
If you find yourself with a flooded basement, you’ll likely have several questions running through your mind. Here are answers to some other common questions you might have.
Is a flooded basement covered by insurance?
It depends on what caused the flooding and in some cases, how severe the flooding is. It’s always best to familiarize yourself with your home insurance policy before disaster strikes so you know what to expect when various situations come up. But if you’re unsure, just give your insurance company a call and they’ll be able to walk you through the situation based on your specific scenario.
How to dry a flooded basement:
A flooded basement can really mean anything from an inch of water covering the surface of the area to a complete devastation of the room that you definitely can’t handle on your own. If the basement has a very small amount of water that seems to have come from a leak somewhere, towels or even a shop vac can handle the job. But for anything more robust, it is essential to call in a professional.
You should call a professional for emergency services not only for your own safety but also to ensure the basement is properly dried and so you can have the situation assessed to ensure no flooding will occur in the future. They will know how best to repair a flooded basement and will likely catch things you would not have.
How to deodorize a flooded basement:
After your basement is taken care of after a flood, it’s common to deal with lingering odors. The most common one is a musty smell. If you’re trying to restore furniture or rugs, you could try looking up natural ways to clean them, but the most efficient method is likely to rent professional cleaning equipment such as carpet shampooers to give them a thorough cleaning.
Placing bowls of baking soda around your basement can help absorb the scent if it seems to be hanging in the air since this product works as a great odor absorber.
How to protect your home:
As mentioned earlier, getting a sump pump installed in your basement is one way to protect your home from flooding. But you can also get a bubbler system installed. This system works along with the sump pump. It collects water from the pump and downspouts and transports it to the main storm sewer so it’s directed away from the home.
It’s designed to protect both your basement and your yard from flooding.
Who to call for a flooded basement
It’s obvious that a flooded basement isn’t a problem you want to have to deal with. Whether you want to set yourself up for success and protect yourself from this problem ahead of time or you need to call in help to get yourself out of a sticky flooding situation, Cellino Plumbing, Heating, and Cooling is here for you. Please don’t hesitate to call us with any questions. You can click here to learn more about our flooded basement services and learn why so many people in the Buffalo, NY area trust us to keep their homes safe.
