Draining a Flooded Basement

11/9/2022 (Permalink)

Taking Care of a Flooded Basement

A flooded basement can ruin your property. Luckily, it is possible to dry out a flooded basement. If you're prepared for the job and know what to do—along with what not to do—you'll be able to stop the flooding and restore your home as soon as possible.

What Should I Do First If My Basement Floods?

If you have a flooded basement, the first thing you should do is shut off any power sources that may be connected to it. This includes shutting off water valves if you have them in your basement and making sure there are no gas pipes or appliances that can be damaged by a flood.

Next, determine the source of the water (if it was caused by heavy rain or stormwater). If your home has been affected by flooding due to heavy rains or storm drains clogging up with leaves and debris, this will need to be addressed before you can begin cleaning up or hire professionals who specialize in water removal from flooded basements.

1. Pump water out of the basement as soon as possible.

In order to prevent mold growth and other damage, it is important to remove standing water from your basement as soon as possible after it has been flooded. You should use a sump pump or dehumidifier with a pump attachment (available at home improvement stores) to remove any standing water that may be present in your basement. A dehumidifier also helps keep humidity levels low so that mold does not grow on drywall or other surfaces exposed to moisture in your home or business.

Sump pumps are designed specifically for these types of situations: they're made for pumping large amounts of water out of basements because they can handle much more than just what would be coming out of an average sink drainpipe! These devices are fairly inexpensive and easy to install; there aren't many reasons why anyone wouldn't want one installed by their local plumber if they live somewhere prone to flooding during heavy rainstorms or winter thaws.

A wet/dry vacuum is a good tool for sucking up water from your basement. It can also be used to clean up drywall dust, wood shavings, and any other small particulates that are on the floor. If you have a large area of dampness or standing water, consider renting a pump-out system that will remove all the water from your home.

2. Don't run electrical equipment in pooling water.

Don't run electrical equipment in standing water. If you are using a generator to power your home's essential systems during the flood, do not use it in standing water. The National Electrical Code prohibits this practice because of the risk of electrocution from submerged and exposed wires.

3. Start this process as soon as possible to prevent mold from growing.

After taking care of any potential leaks, you can begin draining your basement by removing any furniture or appliances that are in contact with dampness—and anything else that could be affected by standing water if left for too long (for example books, papers). This will make things easier when it comes time to clean up after yourself! You will want to start the process as soon as possible. This will help prevent mold growth and secondary water damage. 

4. Contact a professional for proper cleanup.

If you're in a situation where you need to dry out your basement and remove any standing water, it's important that you contact a professional such as SERVPRO of Alamo Ranch for help.

They will be able to drain the water and make sure it doesn't remain inside the basement. They'll also remove any wet items from the basement, including furniture and carpeting. This is critical because mold can grow on these materials if they aren't dried properly. In addition, professional help will ensure that your belongings are safe while they're being cleaned up after a flood.

If you follow these steps, you can help prevent further damage to your San Antonio basement. If you need more information on how to deal with a flooded basement, contact a professional.