Helpful Tips On How To Do A Flooded Basement Cleanup

Floods are not the number one cause for a flooded basement cleanup. In fact, flash floods due to heavy rain in short periods and floods from hurricane surfs are probably the number two cause. The biggest reason homeowners have a flooded basement is a broken water or sewer pipe that is located in that general area. Another reason you can get a flooded basement is by the gutters being improperly maintained.

If you happen to fall victim to broken pipes or a flooded basement in general, it's time to do a flooded basement cleanup. What does a flooded basement cleanup entail?

For starters, if your basement was only slightly flooded, use a mop and bucket to be rid of the water. If you want to make the job a bit easier and go a little faster, then use a wet/dry vacuum on the job.

If the basement has suffered more than mere inches of damage, then you are going to need to employ some helpful tips. These are:

First, never drain a basement quickly. In fact, the Federal Emergency Management Agency or FEMA recommends getting rid of the water one foot at a time in a 24-hour time span. They recommend marking the spot that you dropped it to then and start the process again the next day.

Why is it necessary to mark your spot if you are draining the basement? The problem from doing flooded basement cleanup is if the water is still rising. It's a sign that it's just too soon to start the flooded basement cleanup. Be sure you repeat the first step when trying to pump out water. Do it until all of the water is out of your basement.

Second, Make sure to keep an eye on the structure of your home. If you notice any kind of problems starting to creep up, stop pumping. This means water not in the room has not gone down and is placing pressure on the area.

Provided everything looks good from the drainage process, proceed with the next steps of the flooded basement cleanup.

Third, since bacteria, viruses and other contaminants may be in the water, put on protective gear like goggles, gloves and masks to keep you safe.

Fourth, after you remove the water, there's likely to be plenty of mud left behind. Use a shovel to scoop it out. Be sure the mud is still damp if you plan to use this method.

Fifth, using your water hose, spray off the mud that has collected on the walls of your home. Don't allow this mud to dry because it's easier to hose it off than scrubbing it off.

Sixth, start cleaning everything in the home with a solution of bleach and water so that it is disinfected. Just because it looks like regular water doesn't mean it is. You have to remember that you have all kinds of chemicals lying around in your home and possibly in your basement. Treat the water as if it is contaminated with bacteria (as it is likely to be).

Seventh, phone your homeowner's insurance and see if there is a provision that covers water damage inside your home. Some companies charge extra for flood insurance, some do not. See if your policy does allow for flood damage repairs and reimbursements.

Above all else... if the flooded basement cleanup project is too much for you to handle, call in experts who can do the maintenance for you. Make sure to get estimates and feedback of each company. Since time is of the essence, it is necessary to call them as soon as you see the problem.

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