Your Basement Flooded – What to Do and How to Prevent It

A flooded basement can be a homeowner’s nightmare, and when it happens, quick action is essential to prevent further damage and mitigate risks. Whether the flooding is due to heavy rain, burst pipes, or other water-related issues, knowing how to unflood a basement rapidly can make a significant difference. In this guide, we’ll provide essential steps to help you respond promptly and effectively to a basement flood emergency.

Is it safe to go in a flooded basement?

Before stepping into your flooded basement, always ensure that the below steps are being followed:

1. Turn off Power: Water and electricity don’t mix. If the water level in your basement reaches electrical outlets, appliances, or wires, it poses a severe risk of electrocution. Never enter a flooded area if you suspect any electrical devices or wires are submerged. Always remember, things can be replaced, you cannot.
2. Check for Gas Leaks: If you smell gas, leave immediately and contact your utility company.
3. Contaminated Water: Floodwaters can carry harmful bacteria, viruses, and chemicals. Exposure to contaminated water can lead to various health issues, including skin infections, gastrointestinal problems, and respiratory illnesses. Always assume that floodwater is contaminated, even if it appears clear.
4. Inspect Structural Damage: A flooded basement can weaken the structural integrity of your home. Standing water can erode the foundation and compromise the stability of walls and floors. Entering a structurally compromised area can lead to accidents and injuries.
5. Hidden Obstacles: Floodwaters can conceal dangerous objects or create unseen hazards, such as holes or unstable surfaces. Walking in murky water can result in slips, trips, and falls.
6. Wear Protective Gear: If you must enter the flooded area, wear appropriate protective gear, including rubber boots, gloves, and a mask. These items can reduce your risk of exposure to contaminants.
7. Use a Flashlight: Never use candles or open flames in a flooded space with potential gas leaks. Instead, rely on battery-powered flashlights for illumination.
8. Contact Your Insurer: Determine if you have flood insurance, and document the damage with photos.

Basement Flood Damage Cleanup Tips

1. Remove BelongingsTo prevent mold and further damage, it’s crucial to swiftly move items out of the flooded area:
   • Prioritize Valuables: Start by removing valuable or sentimental items from the wet basement. This includes electronics, important documents, family heirlooms, and anything irreplaceable.
   • Evaluate Items: Carefully assess each item you remove. Some items may be salvageable with proper drying and cleaning, while others might be too damaged by the floodwater and need to be discarded.
2. Dispose of Wet RugsWet rugs can act as breeding grounds for mold and can be challenging to thoroughly dry. In many cases, it’s best to dispose of them:
   • Safety First: When removing wet rugs, be cautious of the added weight they carry when soaked, which can make them heavy and difficult to handle.
   • Proper Disposal: Place wet rugs in heavy-duty trash bags and ensure they are properly sealed before disposing of them.
3. Eliminate Excess WaterAfter removing items, focus on eliminating any remaining excess water:
   • Rags and Towels: Use absorbent rags, towels, or mops to soak up water in areas that are inaccessible to pumps or vacuums.
   • Wet/Dry Vacuum: A wet/dry vacuum cleaner can be an effective tool for extracting water from carpets, corners, and crevices.
4. Professional Furniture CleaningFurniture that has been exposed to floodwater requires professional cleaning:
   • Assessment: Have a professional assess the condition of your furniture. Depending on the extent of the damage, they will recommend cleaning, drying, or, in severe cases, disposal.
   • Thorough Cleaning: Professional cleaning services can effectively sanitize and clean furniture, eliminating any contaminants from the floodwater.
5. Dry and DisinfectAfter you’ve removed as much water as possible, the next step is to dry and disinfect the flooded area:
   • Ventilation: Open windows and use fans to improve air circulation and aid in the drying process.
   • Dehumidifiers: Consider using dehumidifiers to reduce moisture levels in the basement, helping to prevent mold growth.
   • Disinfection: Clean and disinfect all surfaces that have been in contact with floodwater. Use a solution of bleach and water for this purpose.
6. Foundation RepairOnce the immediate flood situation is under control, it’s crucial to address any potential structural damage:
   • Professional Assessment: Engage the services of a professional foundation repair company to assess your basement’s structural integrity. They can identify any damage and recommend the necessary repairs.
   • Timely Action: Don’t delay addressing structural issues, as neglecting them can lead to more extensive and costly problems down the road.

Remember to wear protective gear and avoid electrical hazards during cleanup. Keep windows open and use fans for ventilation.

How to stop basement flooding

Your basement already flooded once, now you want to know how to ensure basement flood prevention is a part of you and your family’s life now. Here are more steps to protect your house and to find potential basement flooding solutions:

1. Grading and Drainage: Ensure that your yard slopes away from your foundation to direct rainwater and runoff away from your basement. Proper grading and drainage solutions can be a game-changer in flood prevention.

2. Gutters Maintenance: Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and well-maintained. Clogged gutters can lead to overflowing rainwater, which can pool around your foundation.

3. Sump Pump Installation: Consider installing a sump pump if you don’t have one. A sump pump can efficiently remove excess water from your basement, preventing floods during a bad rainstorm. It is also recommended to have battery backup sump pumps in the event the power were to go out, the battery backup sump pump system would kick on to ensure your basement is not left unprotected.

4. Interior Waterproofing: Invest in interior basement waterproofing. This involves creating a barrier between your foundation and groundwater, significantly reducing the risk of basement leaks and floods.

5. Window Well Covers: If you have basement windows with window wells, cover them with specially designed covers. This prevents rainwater from collecting in the wells and potentially seeping into your basement.

6. Foundation Repair: Address any foundation issues promptly. Cracks and leaks in your foundation can allow water to infiltrate your basement floor and walls. A professional foundation repair service can identify and fix these issues.

7. Basement Waterproofing Systems: Consider installing a comprehensive basement waterproofing system. This can include interior and exterior drainage systems, moisture barriers, and sump pumps, all working together to keep your basement dry.

Why Ameri-Dry should be your first choice

Remember, preventing basement floods is a proactive effort. Don’t wait for the next storm; take these steps now to ensure your basement walls remains dry and your home protected. Ameri-Dry® is your partner in waterproofing and foundation repair, serving multiple regions.

Contact us at 423-328-8825 for our Tri-Cities office and 865-351-1854 for our Knoxville office today for a consultation and secure your basement against future floods!