What To Do About Basement Floods

12/12/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Scottsdale, AZ

A basement flood is a major inconvenience. Knowing some common causes of flooded basements can help you prevent this from happening to your Scottsdale,AZ, home.

Why Basements Flood

There are many reasons you may find water in your basement. The following are some of the most common:

• Insufficient sealing
  
• Incorrectly installed downspouts
  
• Poor landscape grading
  
• Leaking water heater
  
• Leaking pipes
  
  

Basements should be properly sealed to keep out moisture. Downspouts should be placed at least five feet from the exterior basement wall and should be directed away from the home. Additionally, the yard should slope downward from the house so that water can flow away. These precautions should prevent water from entering your basement from outdoors. However, water from indoor sources poses just as much risk. Make sure to repair any indoor leaks as soon as possible. If you have a sump pump, perform routine maintenance on it so that it can remove any water before it becomes a problem.

How To Clean a Flooded Basement

If you do experience a basement flood, it is important to clean up the area as quickly as possible to prevent mold growth and structural damage. First, remove the standing water using pumps or a specialized vacuum. Then, you will want to remove all soaked items so that you can address them separately. Make sure not to return these items to the basement until they are fully clean and dry. Next, use fans or a dehumidifier to dry out the rest of the moisture. Depending on the level of contamination in the flood water, you may need to sanitize all the surfaces that came into contact with it.
Precautionary measures go a long way toward preventing a basement flood. However, you may still find water damage in your basement. If you feel overwhelmed by the cleanup process, a certified restoration team can help you get your basement back to pre-flood condition quickly and safely.