Flooded Basement? Here’s What to Do
There’s nothing quite like Spring in Wisconsin. Flowers begin to bloom, snow begins to melt, and the rain falls down—hard. In some cases, this heavy rainfall and melted snow can lead to a homeowner’s worst nightmare: a flooded basement.
Basement floods can occur for a variety of reasons, but rainfall is the most common culprit. Every time it rains, your basement could be at risk of flooding. Unfortunately, a majority of homes with basements eventually experience water problems. So, what do you do? We’ll be covering the essential steps to follow in the event your home is affected by a flooded basement.
One Step at a Time
Prioritize Safety
If you discover that your basement is filled with water, shut off the power in your home immediately. Water and electricity are never a good mix and could pose further problems. If it is safe to do so, removing electrical appliances in the basement is advised to prevent contact with the water.
Suit Up
Think twice before you assume flood water is harmless. Eye protection, heavy-duty gloves, and tall boots are recommended before trying to clean the area. Be careful when taking steps in muggy water and show caution when walking to different parts of the house after cleaning, as this could track water in other areas.
Remove the Water
Removing the water as quickly as possible is key to salvaging your basement. If there is a small amount of water, you may be able to rely on a mop and bucket. However, if there is a vast amount of water, you may need to bring in reinforcements such as a wet dry vacuum. If your basement has a floor drain, check to see if it is clogged. Drains can become blocked with debris such as twigs, leaves, or mud. Keeping the drain open will allow the water to drain more quickly.
Prepare to Clean
After all keepsakes have been moved and the water has drained, the cleaning process should begin. Using a mop with a solution of eight tablespoons of liquid bleach and one gallon of water will disinfect the surfaces that came into contact with the water and prevent mold growth. Utilizing a dehumidifier and heavy-duty fans will keep the area dry and uninhabitable for mold. Try to keep dehumidifiers six to eight inches away from walls for the best air circulation.
Check the Sump Pump
If your basement has flooded, your current sump pump failed to do its job. Sump pumps can fail due to mechanical failure, power outages, excessive use, or switch failure. After you have removed all water, cleaned, and dried the basement, investing in a new sump pump is crucial to prevent future flooding. Should another pump fail due to an overwhelming volume of water, backup sump pumps are recommended for additional protection. Backup sump pumps are installed into the primary sump pump and work on the same pit. This allows the backup to detect when the primary pump is overwhelmed and automatically turn on. Backup sump pumps double your pumping power in an emergency and could save you from future severe water damage.
Prevent Future Flooding
Ensuring your sump pump is functioning properly is key to preventing another flooding. Regular maintenance of sump pumps can save your household from experiencing another devastating loss and cleanup headache. If you suspect your sump pump is malfunctioning, our sump pump experts at Southport Home Services are highly trained to diagnose and repair the issue promptly.
You should be able to rest easy at night knowing your basement is protected from another flooding. Whether your sump pump requires regular maintenance or emergency repair, you can trust the experts at Southport Home Services to restore your peace of mind. To schedule your appointment, call 1-888-474-0277 or fill out our online contact form.
