Dealing with a flooded basement is never fun. Not only do you have to get rid of all that water and dry out the basement, but you have to throw a lot of things out. As an unwanted bonus, due to increased humidity in your basement, you could struggle with mold growth, which can even harm your health and the health of your loved ones. But let’s start from the beginning. How can you drain your flooded basement and prevent such problems from recurring?
Safety First
Before you rush down there, keep in mind that it is possible that the water has risen above electrical outlets in the basement, which has caused the electrical current to run through the water. Therefore, find the main switch and cut the power off in this area of the house. If it is impossible to cut the power off without touching the water, call basement flooding repair professionals to help you.
Dry Out the Basement
If you are able to go into the basement and check the situation, you need to determine the source of water infiltration and start drying out the basement ASAP. If the basement is full of puddles, you can use a wet vacuum to collect the water. You can also use a pool pump or just a basic mop and a bucket. Since the level of humidity will skyrocket, you should bring a dehumidifier into the basement, which will regulate the moisture level. By drying out this area as quickly as possible, you can prevent mold growth and rot, which can save you a lot of money in the long run. In addition, take all of the porous materials out of the basement so they can dry.
Throw Out Damaged Things
If some of your things have been contaminated with unclean water or mold, throw them out. Check all wooden elements and drywall and see whether they are still in good condition. If not, you will need to replace them. If your possessions are salvageable but have that earthy smell, take them to get professionally cleaned.
Causes of Flooding
Sometimes the cause of the flooding is very obvious, such as in cases where the flooding happened after a heavy rainstorm. In other cases, it can be more subtle. Here are some of the most frequent causes of flooding.
Rainfall or snowmelt — Sometimes when there is heavy rainfall or large volumes of snow begin to melt very quickly, the soil around the foundation becomes oversaturated, and due to the hydrostatic pressure, water infiltrates your basement.
Issues with the sewer system — If the sewer pipes running around your home are old or damaged by tree roots, they can crack and flood your basement. Luckily, newer sewage lines are made of plastic so they are more durable than the old ones made of cast iron. The sewer pipes can also flood your basement if they get clogged. To avoid clogs in the drains it is important not to flush things such as diapers and wipes, hair, paper products other than toilet paper, feminine hygiene products, and cooking oils and grease.
Negative grade — If the level of the yard is slanted toward the house, you can expect basement flooding. To see whether your yard is graded this way, go outside when it is raining and see where the water is heading. If it flows toward your home and your foundation, you have a problem and you should hire professionals to regrade your yard.
Foundation cracks — If the groundwater levels rise above the basement, gravity will pull the water down and it will seep through the cracks and flood your basement. To avoid water damage, you should keep your eyes open for floor and wall cracks. Just because you live in a new home doesn’t mean this problem cannot occur. On the contrary, new homes are even more prone to cracks because they are still settling. Basement leaks — If you have cracked or broken pipes, your basement can become full of water very quickly. Water can also leak through the concrete walls as well as basement windows. Water heaters are also known to cause floods and leaking.
Preventing Future Basement Flooding
Regardless of whether your basement has been flooded before or not, it is important to take the necessary steps to prevent such accidents from happening in the future.
Install an interior drainage system — Unlike the exterior drainage system, this one will not impact your landscaping and is more affordable. It runs across all leaking walls and along the perimeter of the basement. The drainpipes collect the water and direct it to the sump pump, which discharges the water out and away from the house.
Install a sump pump system — A sump pump can quickly discharge large volumes of water from your basement, so there is no need to do it with a bucket or a mop. A lot of homeowners do not become aware that their basement is flooded until it is too late and the damage is severe. With a sump pump, you can relax knowing that your basement is protected from water damage.
Maintain your drainage system — Regular maintenance of your gutters, sump pump, and weeping tiles can ensure that there are no clogs or leaks that can cause problems and prevent proper drainage.
