If your home is in a low-lying area you may encounter standing water in your basement. Water can damage your home’s foundation and also encourage the growth of mold and mildew, so it is important to remove the water as quickly as possible. Minimize the possibility of damage by following these helpful tips.
- Check your basement frequently, especially after heavy rains or spring thaw
- If there is electricity near the flooded area, turn off the electricity at the fuse box. Never go near water if there is a chance of electricity nearby.
- If possible, identify where the water is coming from and catch or channel it into a container.
- Remove any furniture, rugs or other items; move them to a dry location and dry them off. In the case of rugs, take them outside if possible, to a garage or even a bathtub.
- If the flood is minor, use a shop-vac or pump to remove the standing water. Make sure to empty the bucket or pump the water down the drain, not back into your yard.
- Mop up the last of the water and run fans for 24-48 hours to circulate the air and help with dry-out. Also dry any large items like large furniture, appliances, etc. that could not be moved.
- Spray a home disinfectant, like Lysol, liberally to protect against mold and mildew growth.
If you have a significant basement flood, or if the water contains sewage, take pictures for insurance purposes, then call a professional water restoration company like Flood & Fire Solutions. Our technicians will remove the water, handle dehumidification and disinfect to return your basement to pre-flood condition.
