How to Handle Water in Your Flooded Basement
Pakistan is experiencing one of the worst floods in history, and the fear of water flooding into your house may seem horrifying. It is without a doubt that the water will first flood your basement and may even stay there for a while! To take precautionary measures beforehand, the questions may arise in your head: how do I fix a flooded basement? How do I stop water from coming into the basement?
The amount of rainfall across the country is 2.87 times greater than the 30-year normal, with certain regions experiencing more rainfall than five times the national average. This consistent rainfall is causing chaos all over the country, and anyone can be the target of flooding.
The thought of water coming through your home’s basement walls may seem agonising, but don’t lose hope! There are ways you can deal with this problem. Agency21 International, the largest estate network in Pakistan, is here to help you out with effective solutions to fix your wet basement.
What Should You Do if Your Basement Floods?
Even the most self-assured homeowner may experience powerlessness and dread in the event of a flooded basement. For starters, relax! It is important to think clearly and analyse the situation before taking action.
Some of the most frequent sources of water damage happen in the basement, whether you’re dealing with too much water from busted pipes, a flash flood, or a significant storm.
So, How Do You Handle Water in Your Basement?
There are many effective ways you can use to get rid of water in your flooded basement. Here are a handful of the more typical ones: :
1. Get Rid of the Water
A water-sucking (wet) vacuum or a pool pump are the ideal equipment for extracting a sizable amount of water from a flooded basement. It is important to perform this step as soon as possible to avoid further damage.
If you don’t have access to a wet vacuum, then a bucket and dustpan will do the job! The dustpan and bucket operate similarly. Fill the bucket with water using the empty dustpan, then pour the water down the drain.
2. Dry Out the Water
This step needs to be done as soon as possible too! If the damage is slight, towels can be used to wipe it up. Keep in mind that they must be washed and dried to quickly stop mould growth.
Furthermore, to avoid the spread of mould growth, circulate the air using fans and dehumidifiers. For optimal air circulation, keep dehumidifiers a certain distance away from the walls. It is also important to keep the air conditioners switched on.
3. Call a Professional!
What better way to handle a wet basement than to hire a professional to do the job for you? Flooding homes can sometimes become extremely stressful and there is no other way to deal with it other than calling an expert.
If the flooded water causes mould or mildew to grow, you might want to call for assistance. Despite your efforts to protect your basement against flooding, it is advisable that you. You could want to speak with a plumber, a basement waterproofing business, a catastrophe repair specialist, or a combination of specialists, depending on your particular scenario.
4. Cut your Basement’s Power
It should come as no surprise that visiting your flooded basement increases the likelihood that you will be electrocuted. Cutting off the power to your basement should be the first of the few actions you take. During these catastrophes, it is critical to act calmly and with clear thinking.
5. Avoid the Use of Electrical Appliances
Relevant to the previous point, it is important to know that even if the electricity is turned off, avoid touching electrical appliances such as your television. To check whether the electrical appliances are damaged or not, it is best to let them dry in place first. We also recommend you consider electricians to use them.
6. Stop the Water From Coming in!
This comes off as a preventative measure for floods. Do not let the water come into your basement in the first place! Although it might take a lot of effort to do so, and stopping water from coming in may be quite a task, it is important to take precautions earlier. As they say, better safe than sorry!
7. Generously Spray the Disinfectant
What is worse than water flooding your home? Mould and mildew growing in your basement! Spraying a disinfectant is a crucial step to take to prevent mould, which is a significant health risk. Some disinfecting products eliminate mildew and refresh the space as well. After the flood, liberally spray the floor and walls with a disinfectant spray for a day or two to make sure mould doesn’t form there.
FAQ’S
How come my basement is flooding?
Even if you have taken precautionary measures, there can be a few unnoticed loopholes left to fix.
It could be possible that there might be a leak somewhere in your basement, which is the main cause of flooding in your basement. A fissure in your home’s foundation, walls, or windows may be the cause of the leak.
A busted pipe or pipe leakage may also be the reason behind water accumulating in your basement.
Is it safe to be in the house when the basement is full of water?
Well, the answer is pretty clear! We advise you not to enter a flooded basement unless you’ve taken the necessary safety precautions and are certain that the area is secure.
Quick decisions need to be made when the basement is flooded. The basement should be dried out and the water should be removed. If the water has been left standing for a while, it could be contaminated with mould and bacteria that can prove to be dangerous for your health.
Is it possible to prevent my basement from flooding?
Yes, it is quite possible to prevent your basement from flooding. For example, you can apply sealants and coatings on your walls and windows to stop water from leaking into your basement. You can also install foundation vents so that water does not accumulate in your house.
Summing it Up
Although dealing with a flooded basement is incredibly stressful, it is most definitely not impossible!
You might be able to get rid of floods if you follow the right procedures at the right time. You can take help using the aforementioned tips and protect your home from getting damaged further.
It is very important to routinely check for leaks and cracks in your home, especially in Pakistan where the monsoon season is at its peak. We hope this article was beneficial for you!
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