How to Get Rid of Basement Water Damage
One of the worst and most damaging incidents that can occur in the home involves water damage. Water can destroy everything in its wake. Getting rid of water damage is your end game and water damage cleanup is key to restoring your wet basement and everything in it.
First and foremost, if it has become obvious that your home has suffered water damage, you will want to prioritize your actions going forward. When water is present, so too are mould spores.
The longer water is allowed to sit in your home, the more at risk you and your loved ones are to the effects of mould in the home.
Depending on how long the water has been around, you will need to act quickly. First on your list of do’s is to call your insurance company. They will be able to guide you through the claims process and often offer valuable advice as to your best next steps. In the meantime, there are things you can do to reduce damage and begin the cleanup process.
Basement Flooding Cleanup Process
Unplug and remove all electronics immediately. Do this, of course, after power to the home has been cut. Water and moisture will wreak havoc on anything electronic. The faster they are removed, the better the chance of them surviving.
If you have enough water and have run out of dry towels, get out the shop vac or any wet/dry vacuum you have. The idea is to remove the water as quickly as possible to minimize the water damage.
Getting rid of the water will greatly depend on how much water there is. In many cases, electrical power has been cut. Think old-fashioned. Get those towels, mops, and buckets out. Pour any water you collect onto your lawn (away from the house so it won’t leak back in), not down your drain. If sewers in the area are backed up, pouring water down the lines will only make matters worse.
Pull up any carpet. This includes underpadding and any vapour seal. In some cases, carpet can be saved.
Drying your Leaky Basement
Once all the visible water has been removed, it’s important to dry the area out. Circulation is key to water damage restoration. Use fans, dehumidifiers and open windows to air out and dry out the affected area. This process can take days.
If dry wall has been affected by moisture, cutting it back is often the only option. Dry wall does not do well with water. Same goes for baseboards.
Disinfecting your Basement
Perhaps the most important part of water damage restoration is disinfecting. After everything has been thoroughly dried out, use a good disinfectant to kill any bacteria that might be growing on surfaces. Bleach makes a great water damage restoration tool.
Finally, be patient with the process. Restoring your home following a flood will take time. Water damage cleanup can’t be rushed. And proper restoration practices are necessary for returning your home and your belongings to their former condition.
If your basement is flooding due to foundation issues, such as cracked or leaking walls, call Conterra Foundation and Repair today. We have specialized in wet basement repair since 1993.
