How To Fix a Flooded Basement

3/22/2022 (Permalink)

If you are able to determine the cause of the flooding, take steps to prevent it from happening again as you clean up and rebuild.

What To Do If Your Basement Is Flooded

Whether your basement flood was caused by a storm outside or a faulty appliance inside, knowing where to start in cleaning up and dealing with the mess can be overwhelming. If your business in Boca Del Mar, FL, suffers a flood, here are a few steps to fix the basement in the safest manner.

1. Remove the Water

Do not walk into a flooded basement before removing the water. While there may be debris and other things in the water you don't want to touch, the real danger is electrocution. If the water is only an inch or two deep and you are able to get to the service panel safely without touching the water, do so carefully and turn off the electricity. Then, use a shop vac plugged in upstairs to remove the water. If the water so deep that outlets and service panel are submerged, do not attempt to remove the water yourself.

Call the fire department via a nonemergency line or call a water damage restoration specialist. That amount of water requires specialized equipment to be removed safely by trained professionals.

2. Decide What To Keep and What To Toss

Once the water has been removed from a basement flood, sort through everything that was submerged or damaged by the water. To avoid mold growth, try to quickly dry out and clean everything that can be salvaged. All items that are too damaged should be disposed of swiftly. Any gas or electrical appliances should be replaced. The drywall below the floodwater should be torn out and replaced.

3. Prevent Future Flooding

If you are able to determine the cause of the flooding, take steps to prevent it from happening again as you clean up and rebuild. Install a sump pump, fix the foundation, or reconsider your gutters to draw rainwater away from the structure properly.
The aftermath of a basement flood often involves specialized cleaning, repairs, and possibly rebuilding. Check with your insurance coverage to find out what might be covered. A water damage restoration specialist like SERVPRO may be able to help every step of the way.