My Basement Is Flooding In Durham, What Do I Do And Who Do I Call?
By: 911 Water Damage Experts
Quick answer:
1. Ensure family is safe
2. Identify source and assess the damage
3. Remove water
4. Dry basement
5. Restore basement or call water damage company (1-833-WE-DRY-IT)
6. Create flood prevention for future
My Basement Is Flooding Tip 1: Stay Safe
Before you do anything else, make sure you and your family are safe. If the water level is high, turn off the electricity to your home. If you are unsure how to do this, contact a professional electrician or water damage company near you. You should also avoid standing in water if it is contaminated with sewage or other hazardous substances.
My Basement Is Flooding Tip 2: Assess the Damage
Once you are safe, it’s time to assess the damage. The first thing you should do is figure out where the water is coming from. Is it from a burst pipe, heavy rain, or a malfunctioning sump pump? Identifying the source of the water will help you determine the best course of action.
My Basement Is Flooding Tip 3: Remove the Water
The next step is to remove the water from your basement. This can be done using a wet/dry vacuum, a sump pump, or by manually scooping the water out. If you are using a wet/dry vacuum or a sump pump, make sure you follow the manufacturer’s instructions. If you are scooping the water out manually, make sure you dispose of the water properly.
My Basement Is Flooding Tip 4: Dry Out Your Basement
After you have removed the water, it’s time to dry out your basement. You can use a dehumidifier, fans, and open windows to help with this process. If the weather is warm and dry outside, open your windows and doors to allow fresh air to circulate. If the weather is not suitable, you can use a dehumidifier or fans to help dry out the space.
My Basement Is Flooding Tip 5: Clean Up
Once your basement is dry, it’s time to clean up. Remove any damaged items, including furniture, carpets, and other belongings. You may also need to remove drywall or insulation that has been damaged by the water. Make sure you wear gloves and a mask when cleaning up to protect yourself from mold and other harmful substances.
My Basement Is Flooding Tip 6: Prevent Future Flooding
Preventing future basement floods is essential to protecting your home and your belongings. Here are some things you can do to prevent future flooding:
Install a sump pump: A sump pump can help prevent flooding by removing water that collects in the basement.
Install a backflow valve: A backflow valve can prevent sewage from backing up into your basement.
Seal your basement: Make sure your basement is properly sealed to prevent water from seeping in.
Maintain your gutters and downspouts: Keep your gutters and downspouts clean and clear of debris to prevent water from pooling around your home.
Check your landscaping: Make sure the soil around your home slopes away from the foundation to discourage puddling water.
My Basement Is Flooding Tip 7: Call a Professional Water Damage Company
If the flooding in your basement is severe or if you are unable to remove the water yourself, it’s time to call a professional water damage company near you. A professional water damage restoration company can help remove the water, dry out your basement, and clean.
How To Prevent Basement Flooding: Tips and Tricks
A flooded basement can cause significant damage to your property and create unsafe living conditions. Not only can it ruin your belongings, but it can also lead to mould growth and compromise the structural integrity of your home. Fortunately, there are steps you can take to prevent basement flooding. In this article, we will explore some tips and tricks to help you avoid this problem.
Keep Gutters and Downspouts Clean
One of the most common causes of basement flooding is clogged gutters and downspouts. When leaves, dirt, and debris accumulate in these areas, water cannot flow away from your home properly. As a result, it can seep into your basement and cause flooding.
To prevent this, make sure to keep your gutters and downspouts clean by:
-Removing debris and leaves from gutters regularly
-Using a garden hose to flush out downspouts and remove any blockages
-Installing gutter guards to prevent debris from accumulating
Proper Grading
Another way to prevent basement flooding is by ensuring proper grading around your home. Grading refers to the slope of the ground surrounding your home. If the ground slopes toward your house, water will naturally flow toward your basement and cause flooding. To prevent this, make sure that the ground around your home slopes away from your foundation. This will direct water away from your home and prevent basement flooding.
Install a Sump Pump
A sump pump is an essential tool for preventing basement flooding. It works by removing excess water from your basement and pumping it away from your home. When water reaches a certain level, the sump pump activates and begins pumping the water out of your basement. To ensure that your sump pump is working correctly:
-Check it regularly to ensure it is functioning correctly
-Make sure the pump is connected to a power source
-Install a battery backup system in case of power outages
Seal Basement Cracks
Cracks in your basement walls or floor can allow water to seep into your basement and cause flooding. To prevent this, it is essential to seal any cracks as soon as possible. This can be done using hydraulic cement or epoxy. If the cracks are severe, it may be necessary to call a professional to repair them.
Install Window Well Covers
Window wells are designed to allow natural light into your basement while keeping water and debris out. However, if these wells are not covered, they can become clogged with leaves and debris, leading to basement flooding. Installing window well covers can prevent this problem by:
-Keeping leaves and debris out of window wells
-Directing water away from the foundation
Inspect and Maintain Your Plumbing System
A faulty plumbing system can cause significant water damage to your home. Leaking pipes or a malfunctioning sump pump can lead to basement flooding. To prevent this, it is crucial to inspect and maintain your plumbing system regularly. This includes:
-Checking pipes for leaks
-Repairing leaks as soon as possible
-Ensuring that your sump pump is functioning correctly
Avoid Pouring Grease Down the Drain
Pouring grease down your drain can cause blockages in your pipes and lead to water damage in your basement. Grease hardens as it cools, creating a blockage that can prevent water from flowing away from your home. To prevent this problem, avoid pouring grease down your drain. Instead, pour it into a container and throw it away in the trash.
Check Your Home Insurance Policy
Lastly, it is essential to check your home insurance policy to ensure that you are covered in case of basement flooding. Some policies may not cover water damage caused by flooding, so it is crucial to check your coverage and make any.
If you ever have questions about our article “My Basement Is Flooding In Durham, What Do I Do And Who Do I Call?” or anything about basement floods or need a water damage company near you, feel free to call 1-833-WE-DRY-IT any time 24/7/365 or chat with us in near real-time on Facebook, we’re there when you need us!
Related Posts
Water Damage Restoration Articles
What you can expect from a fire damage restoration company
Water damage prevention tips from the most common problems we’ve seen
Top causes of water damage in commercial buildings and how to find them
Must-know water damage tips: What to do after your house floods
What does good water damage restoration look like?
DIY water damage restoration and the hidden dangers
How to choose the right water damage company
Flast floods: What to do before, during and after a flash flood
What to do when your attic leaks?
Mould Removal Restoration Articles
5 Signs You Have Mould Growing In Your Walls
“Can I Remove Mould Myself?” Our Mould Removal Experts Have Answers
7 Must-Know Reasons Why You Should Get A Mould Inspection Before Buying A House
Does Mould Attract Bugs? Yes And Here’s What Kind And Why
How To Remove Mould From The Attic [Mould Prevention Tips Inside]
How Rain Causes Mould Growth-Prevention Tips Included
Must-Know Tips: How To Remove Mould In Your Basement
Fire Damage Restoration Articles
How to clean up after a house fire
Fire damage restoration checklist
Fire damage tips: 6 hazards property owners miss
How smoke from fires can negatively affect your health
What are the most common causes of house fires?
10 helpful smoke damage cleaning tips
Related Water Damage Services
Fire damage restoration services
Water damage restoration services
Emergency cleanup services
Mould removal services
Weather damage services
