Storms and heavy rains can cause basement flooding. Aside from natural calamities, burst pipes and overflows can also bring a substantial amount of water into the basement. Water damage must be removed promptly, tempting homeowners to extract the water on their own before it causes more damages, health risks, and mold growth.
However, basement water removal could only be properly performed with the right tools and equipment along with the necessary skill and experience. This is something most homeowners do not have, which is why there are professional water damage restoration companies such as ServiceMaster by Lovejoy. Here are some of the dangers of DIY cleanup and what to do with a flooded basement before the professionals arrive.
What to Do If Your Basement Floods
The effects of basement flooding can be lessened by a quick response on the part of the homeowner. Here’s what to do before the professionals arrive:
- Turn off all energy sources around the area, including electricity and gas. However, if you have to wade through standing water to do this, leave it to the professionals.
- Floodwater may be contaminated with sewage and other pollutants, so do not enter it if possible. If you need to approach the basement, wear protective gear such as waterproof boots and gloves to protect yourself from dangerous chemicals or substances present in the water.
- Standard homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage, so contact your insurance provider to check the scope of your coverage. People who live in flood-prone areas should consider getting a separate policy for flood insurance.
Dangers of a Flooded Basement
Do-it-yourself projects, including basement water removal, often do more harm than good. Water damage repair professionals know how to mitigate the damage correctly and return the area to pre-flood condition. The hazards below explain why it is unsafe to perform basement flood cleanup on your own:
- Unclean water - Floodwater in basements is often either greywater or blackwater, and both contain pollutants, harmful microorganisms, and other biohazards. Coming in contact with black water can cause serious illnesses. Experts have the equipment to extract it safely.
- Electric shock from submerged appliances or outlets - Standing water where sources of electrical energy are submerged may already be charged, which can cause electric shock or even death.
- Rotting of structures - When structural elements, such as drywall and insulation, remain underwater for prolonged periods, they can weaken and threaten the structural integrity of the home. Professional structural drying can completely remove moisture and prevent further damages.
- Wall buckling - Can happen when oversaturation and improper drainage cause pressure buildup in the surrounding soil.
How to Prevent Basement Flooding
Proactive steps to prevent basement flooding can save thousands of dollars in repairs.
- Perform routine inspections to discover basement or foundation cracks ahead of time and have them sealed.
- Check the yard and create landscape changes to direct water away from your property.
- Keep your sump pump well-maintained.
- Inspect drainage systems, gutters, and downspouts for clogging. Clear away accumulated debris to allow water to flow freely.
- Have sewers and septic tanks cleaned to prevent back-ups or overflows.
- Secure a separate policy for flood insurance.
Get Professional Basement Flooding Removal with Georgia's Trusted Water Damage Restoration Company
If you experience flooding in your basement, don’t let a DIY job put your health and the well-being of your home at risk. The quicker a water-damaged house is taken care of by a professional water damage restoration company in Georgia such as ServiceMaster by Lovejoy, the less destruction is caused and the easier recovery process is.
Our Emergency Response Team is available 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Contact ServiceMaster by Lovejoy at (678) 293-0297 for Conyers and (770) 983-6665 for Roswell.
We service Atlanta, Roswell, Sandy Springs, Decatur, Stockbridge, Conyers, McDonough, Stone Mountain, Covington, Social Circle, and Dekalb County, Georgia and surrounding areas.
