Flooded Basement? SERVPRO Shares Tips To Take Care Of It

4/16/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO Blog Lists The Steps That Homeowners Would Need To Follow To Clean A Flooded Basement. 

Tips to clean a flooded basement

According to the National Flood Insurance Program, floods are the biggest cause of disaster in America, averaging more than $3 billion in claims per year. Some of the common causes of flooded basements are improper sealing on the flooring and walls, drainage tile failure, improperly installed downspouts, debris in the gutters (eavestroughs), water supply line failure (broken, cracked, or clogged pipes), hot water tank failure, and sump pump failure. SERVPRO, a water damage restoration company, shares the steps homeowners should take to clean a flooded basement to prevent further damage.

1. Where is the water coming from?

It is important to first identify the source of the leak before any action can be taken. A leak from a source within the basement must be addressed immediately by turning off the water. However, when the basement is flooded due to rain storms or melting snow, the next steps will differ.

Not every flooding situation can be handled by a homeowner. Professional water damage restoration teams such as SERVPRO can arrive within 24 hours, create an assessment report and begin the process of restoration at the earliest. Working with a professional also ensures that the insurance claim process becomes smooth. 

2. Remove the water

Leaving the water standing for too long can lead to further damage including mold growth and structural damage. Therefore, immediate water removal is a crucial step. A sump pump, a wet-dry vacuum, or a bucket are several ways to remove the water. 

But it isn’t possible to remove hundreds or thousands of gallons without sufficient equipment or expertise. A professional team like SERVPRO can swiftly and efficiently take care of the water removal process by utilizing powerful pumps and truck-mounted vacuum units.

3. Remove the contents

Contents such as carpets and furniture can absorb a lot of water very swiftly. Unaddressed, this can lead to mold growth, warping, and rotting after 24 hours. Removing items damaged by floodwater is crucial to avoid mold growth, warping, and rot. It must, however, be noted that even a swift water removal may not be enough to salvage some contents. Carpeting, insulation, electronics, and paper goods as well as walls and furniture can get damaged beyond repair in a water damage event. 

4. Dry and Dehumidify

Even though the visible water and the contents have been removed, the basement is far from being moisture-free. House fans are not as efficient as they take much longer to dry, leading to further damage. High-volume fans and structural drying dehumidifiers must be used to dry out the moisture hidden in walls and floors. 

Homeowners may not have access to this industrial equipment, it may be expensive to rent or it may require some advanced know-how. Therefore, hiring a professional restoration company like SERVPRO is advised to get rid of the hidden moisture. A professional team will use the latest dehumidification equipment and moisture meters to track and manage the drying process.

5. Disinfect and Deodorize

Homeowners often use bleach to disinfect and baking soda to deodorize the area after the water has been removed. The bleach will successfully kill the live mold but not the mold spores. A household detergent may be more effective but a professional mold remediation company must be hired to ensure the complete removal of mold and prevent its recurrence. 

A professional mold remediation company such as SERVPRO will use the latest cleaning techniques as well as industrial-grade air scrubbers and fogging equipment to clean, sanitize, and deodorize the contents. 

6. Rebuild and Restore

A flooded basement can lead to foundation cracks, damaged drywall, mold growth, warped carpeting, peeling paint, and unsealed windows and vents. These are repairs that a professional water damage restoration company can manage easily. But what about the areas that need reconstruction? SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant Co. not only repairs damaged areas and contents but also offers reconstruction and building services.

Why SERVPRO?

• SERVPRO uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant County is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

• With over 1,700 US and Canadian Franchise locations, SERVPRO is strategically positioned to respond faster to an emergency of any magnitude.

• The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in property damage restoration. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For property restoration services, contact Team Shaw of SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant County today at (817) 595-2506 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com