No homeowner wants to deal with a flooded basement, as it can cost thousands of dollars in damages and repairs. Unfortunately, serious basement flooding is a common phenomenon that anyone could experience at least once in their lives. Therefore, knowing what to do immediately after flooding will help homeowners recover more of their basements and, hopefully, experience less damage.
In this helpful guide, Summit Restoration will go over what to do when your basement floods. The business provides water damage restoration experts in Salt Lake City, Draper, and the surrounding areas. After reading about what steps to complete, reach out to a trusted team for the most dependable water damage and flood services to ensure the cleanest and safest basement.
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1. Remove All Water and Call the Insurance Company
If you have homeowners insurance, the policy could cover repair and restoration services from flooding. Take photos and videos of the damage to provide proof of your situation. The homeowners insurance policy might cover flooding from burst pipes and plumbing problems, but you’ll likely need flood damage insurance for a natural disaster, heavy rainstorms, or something similar.
After shutting off basement power, start removing the water with a sump pump, buckets and towels, or a wet/dry vacuum. Having a sump pump on can help you avoid future flooding. Here are some additional steps to consider:
- Stop the water from reaching other areas of the home.
- Clean water as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth.
- Wear protective gear to avoid touching contaminated water.
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2. Remove All Wet or Damaged Items
Removing wet items quickly is essential for salvaging as much as possible. This step is risky, as your items and skin could be exposed to harmful floodwater contaminants, so remember to place items in a dry, well-ventilated area. Remember to wash your hands after going through your belongings and wear protective gear.
If you hire an expert team for flood damage cleanup, the professionals can handle wet item removal for you. They will remove and sanitize salvageable items while properly disposing of ones that are beyond saving. Some belongings may smell musty or stale and have extensive mold growth, making them impossible to recover.
3. Dry the Basement
Enlist professionals for help with basement drying and to ensure no water remains. Any leftover water can cause mold and mildew to spread through the basement, making an unsafe living or storage environment. Heavy-duty fans and dehumidifiers are excellent tools for keeping the space dry.
4. Clean and Scrub Floors
Since flooding spreads germs, bacteria, and other contaminants, it’s essential not to neglect floor scrubbing. Clean and scrub basement floors thoroughly with a broom and mop, chemical cleaning products, or a pressure washer. Waterproofing any concrete flooring with a special sealant can prevent flooding from damaging the floor in the future.
5. Address Any Damaged Areas
Once the floors are clean, move on to damage repair. If you’re wondering what to do when your basement floods, this is one of the most vital steps to making the basement usable and safe again. Repair walls, flooring, furniture, ceilings, carpet, or whatever major areas the storm affected.
Depending on the insurance type and policy, you can receive financial assistance to resolve the damage and enjoy your basement again.
6. Clean and Sanitize the Basement
Whether you have flooding from a broken sewage system or a natural disaster, cleanup is an incredibly important step. Remove all biohazards, bacteria, contaminants, and more to begin using the basement space again. Some key tips to avoid basement flooding include the following:
- Clear out gutters, downspouts, and drains to prevent flooding.
- Stay proactive when severe weather conditions are coming.
- Schedule professional sump pump installation for future protection.
- Check insurance coverage and policy specifics.
Get Assistance With Flood and Water Damage Cleanup Company in Salt Lake City and Draper, UT
At Summit Restoration, we aim to help you better understand what to do when your basement floods. We also provide a comprehensive flood restoration guide and offer water and flood damage cleanup services to the good people of Salt Lake City, Draper and nearby areas. With over 30 years of experience, we’re committed to helping you restore and clean your property quickly and efficiently. Our team offers prompt, professional assistance and works diligently to deliver high-quality results. We treat each property as if it’s our own, going above and beyond to ensure the job is done right.
Don’t wait to reach out. If you need help or want to know what to do when your basement floods, give us a call at (385) 469-2638 to book a service appointment in Salt Lake County, UT!
