The Post Flood Basement Cleanup

Floods are never welcome in any home, and can be a family’s worst nightmare. They often come at the worst times, and you never feel prepared for the event. But, now you’re left wondering: Why did my basement flood? Here are a few reasons:

• Your sewer is connected to the city sewer, and has become backed up
• Your sump pump has stopped working
• You have a crack in your foundation
• Your pipes are old, cracked, or need to be replaced
• Your land is angled towards your home, pushing water into your house
• Your hot-water tank is on the fritz
• And the list goes on…

Once you’ve discovered the flood, and called Tom’s Basement Waterproofing to fix the issue, you’re ready to start the cleanup process for removing the water from your basement. The most important factor in a basement flood cleanup is to not remove any water in your basement, until the water along the outside of your home and walls has diminished. The last thing you need, on top of a flooded basement, is a caved-in wall. Here is a quick troubleshooting guide for some of the issues your may run into, when recovering from a basement flood:

• No basement drain? Look into a sump pump to remove the water from your home. These can be rented or purchased, depending on your needs.
• Can’t use your electrical outlet? If you’re looking into a sump pump, but the only outlet available to reach is in the wake, you may need to look into a gasoline-powered product.
• How do I monitor how much water is going out? It is ideal to make sure that both ends of the water on the inside and outside have equal levels, once you’re pumping. After you’ve reached this point, stop and examine how the water starts to recede.
• What do I do with the grime? If your basement flood brought in any dirt or mud, remove it as quickly as possible. This will allow for your floors to dry faster.
• How do I get rid of the stains? A high pressure gauge and hose will eliminate any other debris that may be lingering around the edges of your basement walls. If water isn’t enough, you can also try laundry detergent and a good scrubbing.
• How do I make sure I won’t get mold? The faster you begin drying the basement, the less likely you will be susceptible to mold and decay. Open as many windows and doors that are available, set up some fans, and turn on the dehumidifier, to air everything out.

Call Tom’s Basement Waterproofing for more tips and tricks on keeping your basement dry and ensuring a quick recovery from a basement flood. (586) 776-7270