While basements are often seen as a very important feature of any home, the reality is that they are also very prone to water damage. Whether flooding occurs due to clogged drains or broken washing machine hoses, the result is the same: wet carpets, moldy walls and furniture, and rotting floorboards. The best way to avoid this situation is to make sure that drainage systems are kept clear. It may be time to hire a professional flooded basement company for some advice if flooding occurs too frequently. You can also clean it by yourself; here are some basic steps that you can follow to clean your flooded Basement. So let’s start;
Find the water source.
Be sure to turn off the main water valve. Check for loose hoses or worn washers that could cause leaks. Look at your plumbing fixtures for leaks or drips, and tighten any fixture connections. Make sure all of your shutoff valves are working properly. Water discharged from household appliances should be tested before use, so if you suspect it might be spoiled, contact your county health department to inspect the water.
Remove furniture or other important things.
Create a safe space to help prevent further damage by removing furniture, pictures, cabinets, and other items. Although it may be tempting to salvage water-damaged items, the sooner you remove furniture, the more likely you are to preserve your home’s value.
If you cannot remove furniture, cover as much as possible with plastic sheeting, blankets, or towels as a last resort. Dry wet items as soon as possible to minimize mold growth. You may also want to consider covering open areas such as an attic or surrounding Basement with plastic sheeting to keep mold spores from spreading.
Extract standing water
When it comes to flooded basement, a few inches can make a big difference. Standing water is a breeding ground for mold, mildew, and a variety of other costly problems. Don’t waste precious time letting it recede naturally.
The first thing you should do is turn off the power and gas to your home at the main service panel or circuit breaker box. Check whether there is a backup of sewage and, if possible, call a plumber to clear it. Use towels and rags to soak up excess water and then throw them outside, away from your house.
Vacuum out the remaining water
Removing excess water from your Basement helps prevent mold and mildew growth. A DIY dehumidifier is a simple tool that you can create using a fan, a bucket, and a few sheets of wet/dry vacuum filter—a type of filter used for home central-vacuuming systems. The fan suctions up the water vapor from a collection bucket, drained through the wet/dry filter. It pulls virtually all of the water vapor out of the air around it.
