How To Fix a Flooded Basement

10/31/2019 (Permalink)

There are some things you can do yourself, but if damage is severe or you do not have the necessary skills and equipment it can seem impossible.

Many homeowners have heard horror stories of sump pumps failing and basements filling with floodwater. A basement flood can happen quickly and cause a lot of damage in a short amount of time. If your basement in Summit, Lake, Park & Eagle Counties, CO has experienced flooding or water damage, your insurance coverage may include the cost of professional restoration services. There are some things you can do yourself, but if damage is severe or you do not have the necessary skills and equipment, professional assistance can help. Here are a few tips on how to safely restore your basement.

Stay Aware of Danger
Keep safety first. When entering a flooded area, watch out for these common dangers caused by a basement flood:

Slippery, slimy floors
Items you cannot see through the floodwater
Electrical outlets exposed to water or submerged

Anytime there is water in a home, there is the risk of electrocution. Be sure that the electricity is turned off before entering the area. If the water has gone above the electrical outlets and you cannot safely reach the fusebox, the only way to ensure your safety is to have the house taken off the electric grid by a professional.

Dry Out the Area
Once you have ensured your safety, the next step is to begin removing the water. If you can do this without entering the flooded area, even better. A shop vacuum can be used to suck out the majority of the water. Once the water is gone, you are likely to find that flooring, baseboards, and possibly drywall have been soaked by the water. Everything that was underwater may need to be removed and replaced.

Recovering from a basement flood can be done with the right equipment and a lot of hard work. If you discover that you need professional help, water restoration experts can restore your basement to its pre-flood condition, as if it never happened.