It can be quite devastating and alarming knowing that any part of your property has been flooded. And since your basement is the lowest point in your home, it is likely the first to flood during a heavy storm or water emergency.

Aside from your flood insurance, our helpful tips below can help you get started on how to clean up and prevent a flooded basement.

Causes of a Flooded Basement

No basement is exempted from flooding. Knowing and understanding why a flooded basement occurs can help you avoid disasters. Some common causes are listed below.

• If a flood is due to heavy rains and downpours, it can lead to significant flooding. Gutters and downspouts may be clogged and blocked by debris and overflow because of heavy rainfall. Water can enter your basement from the walls, surface, floor, or basement windows. Moreover, seepage of excess water through the soil can go to your home’s foundation, flooding your basement.
• If the sump pump fails, your basement will flood whether as a result of a clog or power failure. The same also goes for your crawl space.
• Failures in hot water tanks and malfunctions in plumbing such as burst pipes can lead to a flooded basement.
• Sewage backup/sewer backup can cause a basement floor to flood due to clogs and blockage of sewer lines.

Flooded Basement: CleanUp Process

Ensure Safety

Be extra careful when handling a flooded basement. There are certain hazards involved when your basement floods like exposed electrical wires, pests, and even mold and mildew spores.

Things to Consider Before Entering the Basement 

• Before starting to clean, open the basement windows for ventilation if you have any.
• Turn off the electricity.
• Turn off propane, gas, and any other fuel sources available in your basement.
• If you are not sure about doing this, call a professional instead.

Remove Any Current Standing Water 

Remove standing water in your basement but if the amount of water is significant, leave it to the experts. They have the right tools and methods to prevent serious damage in your basement.

Remove Any Debris and Damaged Items

Once the water has been removed from your basement, shovel out any dirt and debris that’s on the floor. Then you need to remove any damaged items from the flooding. Moreover, other items that aren’t damaged must be transferred to another area so you will be able to clean the basement and dry it out completely.

Dry Out Is Important

Get rid of any lingering moisture in your basement to avoid mold and mildew growth. Dry out the space using dehumidifiers, blowers, and other drying equipment. Consider using a basement dehumidifier to lower the moisture levels to the right level.

Clean and Disinfect Every Surface 

Bacteria and other microorganisms might have entered your basement because of water. Disinfecting the area and every surface that was covered with water is a great way to kill them. You can use bleach to disinfect these surfaces effectively or use other natural killing methods and solutions.

Home Improvement Ideas for Prevention of A Flooded Basement

Water damage requires a costly fix and can give you terrible headaches! Here are a few home improvements to prevent basement flooding:

• Improve drainage systems. Check gutters and downspouts to ensure that water is diverted away from your home and its foundation. Adding another downspout can also help prevent clogging and blockage.
• If you have a sump pump, make sure that it’s functioning and consider purchasing a backup battery-powered pump in case of electricity failure. Consider installing a sump pump if you don’t have one in your basement yet.
• Check and replace your pipes when necessary.
• Install a water leak detection system to prevent a flooded basement. This can detect water on the floor or an irregular flow in the pipe.
• If you have old windows, repaint and re-stained them periodically. Reseal cracks in trim and replace glazing compound if needed. For new windows and doors, check for watertight options.
• Regularly inspect your roof for signs of water leaks and damage.
• Seal and waterproof your basement to reduce and prevent water damage.
• Check your washing machine for leaks and replace its supply hoses if necessary.

Professional Flood and Water Damage Restoration Services

Do you want to have a clean basement that is free of moisture, water damage, or mold?

Calling a professional is a good idea to help you remove any amount of water in your flooded basement.

Superior Restoration offers flooded basement cleanup services in Ontario and surrounding areas. Our skilled and experienced technicians can remove water and handle flood damage quickly so you don’t have to feel anxious.

Please call Water Damage Ontario and experience a flood-free basement today!