Sump Pump
Flooded Basement
Have you ever been the victim of a flooded basement? Being the victim of a flood can be a scary experience if you do not know what to do. Following the guidelines below will make your situation easier to handle and help get your home back to normal.
Before
entering a flooded basement:
1. Turn off electricity.
2. Turn off gas or fuel valves.
3. Check outside walls for cave-ins, any structural damage, or other hazards.
4. Open your doors and windows to let some fresh air into the basement.
It is important to take pictures or video of the basement for insurance purposes. You should also keep a record of all expenses.
If your basement is flooded, follow these directions to help get your home back to normal.
Pumping:
- Do not use an electric pump powered by your own electric system. Use a gas pump or one that is connected to an outside line.
- If water is pumped out too quickly, the walls may be pushed up. So to prevent further structural damage, remove the water in stages, preferably about 1/3 of water each day.
Cleaning:
- Wearing gloves, remove soaked and contaminated items and place them in garbage bags.
- Once all the water has been pumped out, you should shovel any debris and mud from the floors before they get a chance to dry.
- If the walls can be salvaged, hose them down to remove as much dirt as possible before drying. Both floors and walls may need to be sanitized.
- If you want to help speed up the drying process, you can turn the heat on or use a dehumidifier.
Repairing:
- Some of the structural damage that can occur due to a flooded basement includes: buckled walls, settled floors, and heaved floors.
- An indication that you have buckled walls is horizontal cracking. If it is minor, repairs are not necessary. However, if it is more serious, repairs should be done as soon as possible.
- Vertical cracks indicate settled walls or floors. The cracks can be in small areas or all through the structure. Special equipment is needed for repairs.
- A heaved floor is a floor that has not returned to its original level or is badly cracked. If this is the case, a new floor may be needed.
In all of this, it is important to remain calm. Nothing will get done faster if everyone is in a panic. Remember to take pictures for your insurance claims.
Also rememeber to take safety precautions against flooding - your safety should always be the first priority.
