What to Do When Your Basement Is Flooded

5/12/2021 (Permalink)

A flooded basement is no small hazard. Even a single inch of a flooded basement in a 1,000 square foot home can cause $10,000 worth of damage. Six inches of water can easily double that cost.

If you come down the stairs to find water in your basement, here’s what you should do.

The Dangers of a Flooded Basement

Be careful before you charge into a wet basement. There are a few hazards you should check for:

• Electrical Shock: Loose wires can conduct electricity through the water. Before going into the water, turn off your home’s breaker switches.
• Gas Leaks: Issues with your basement can lead to gas leaks. If you smell gas at all, then leave the home and contact your gas utility company.
• Pollutants: If your flood is a sewer leak, then be careful before entering the water. Sewer water can contain bacteria that transmit the disease. Wear protective items like suits, gloves, safety glasses, and face masks. And be ready to call in the professionals

If the Flooding is Caused by Plumbing

When the flood in your basement is caused by plumbing, it falls into two different types. Leaks will fill your basement with cleaner, mostly clear water. If you see this, then try to get to the water main to turn it off.

The other kind of plumbing flood is when the sewer backs up into your basement. One smell and you’ll know if it’s from a sewer. If this is the case, then you don’t want to use anything that uses the drain. Don’t flush the toilet, the washing machine, the dishwasher, or anything else. It will only add to the sewage backing up in your basement.

If you do have sewage backing up into your basement, then be sure to call your local utility company as soon as possible to report it.

If the Leak Is from Outside of Your House

Runoff, rain, snow, or heavy weather can easily lead to flooding in a basement if it's not waterproofed correctly. If this is the case, then try to find the source of the leak as soon as possible. This could be something simple, like a leaking vent window, or something complicated like a leak through the foundation.

If you can’t easily find the leak, then call in the professionals.

Call Your Insurance Company

Different insurance companies handle flooding claims differently. When you call to file a claim, your insurance company will go over any clean-up procedures, specific contractors to use, and other information.

If your home or business needs water restoration services, call the experts today – SERVPRO of Pike/NE Monroe Counties at (570) 296-1177