How To Handle A Basement Flood

A basement flood is among the worst nightmares of every homeowner. If your basement floods, you can lose cherished keepsakes to mold and mildew, others to water damage. Also, you can expect a large bill to salvage the remainder. Coming home to a basement flood can feel very overwhelming. However, the tips below will help you handle it in the best possible manner.

Act Immediately

The first thing you should do when your basement floods is to act immediately. This is because the damage is only going to get worse with time. If possible, cut off the basement's supply of water, electricity, and gas. Wading through water to reach any of these is hazardous,. It is best left to an expert such as a certified plumber. You should also wear boots and gloves in the flood zone to protect yourself from any contaminants in the water.

 

Determine The Source

Next, you need to determine the source of the flood. Excessive rainfall, a burst pipeline, a water leak,  a malfunctioning sump pump, and overflowing sewage systems are all common causes of basement flooding. If you are unsure of the cause, you really can't do anything to fix the problem. A professional plumber can help you find the cause and advise you how to solve it. Your plumber will also be on hand to expertly restore any drains, pipes, or other systems damaged by the flooding event, so bringing in a professional is your wisest course of action.

Clean Up

When the actual flooding stops, clean up can begin. Options include a wet vac system, sump pump, and a mop and bucket. Having multiple people on cleaning duty can make the job go faster. Larger jobs may require an expert who has the expertise and equipment to clean any flood. In this situation, your plumber should have all the tools and experience necessary to get the job done right. Items soaked in flood water have 48 hours to dry before mold and mildew set in. You can expedite the drying process by leaving all windows and doors open to promote airflow, pointing fans at the wettest items, and moving items into the sunlight, or at least out of the wet basement. It is dangerous to move anything with an electrical plug, however, so do not attempt to do so without expert assistance. Wet drywall will require speedy replacement, and cardboard boxes should be considered a lost cause once wet.

How To Prevent A Flooded Basement

The best way to handle a basement flood is never to have one in the first place. While every basement is prone to flooding, you can protect your home by ensuring that yours is as waterproof as possible. A licensed plumber should be brought in to make sure your sump pumps and basement drains are in perfect working order, allowing them to perform as intended should the need ever arise. Your lawn should also be graded toward the sewage system rather than your home, guiding water away when it rains. If you're unsure of your lawn's grade, go outside when it is raining and look for pools of water near your home. If you find any, you have a problem.

Sump Pump Installation Allentown PA

Be sure to take the necessary steps to prevent a flooded basement. In the event that your basement does flood, knowing the above steps will help keep you safe. The bottom lone is that it is always safe to leave a job like this to a professional. Many people have gotten hurt by taking on a project like this on their own. For an expert plumbing service company, be sure to contact Robinson Plumbing. We offer affordable plumbing repairs, installations, and maintenance. One of the best ways to avoid a flooded basement is to have a sump pump installed. Save your self the time and headache associated with a flooded basement. Call us to today for more details. In conclusion, a basement flood will probably ruin your day but not your life. A plumber's assistance can make it much easier to handle your flooded basement. We service Allentown PA 18101, Bethlehem PA 18015, Catasauqua PA 18032, Center Valley PA 18034, Coplay PA 18037, East Texas PA 18046, Emmaus PA 18049, Lehigh Valley PA 18001, Northampton PA 18067, Whitehall PA 18052, and surrounding areas in the Lehigh Valley. Call us today at (610) 351-9889 or contact us for any questions that you might have!

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