With spring rains and summer downpours, it’s common to have a basement flood occur in upstate New York. However, how you respond to that flood can impact how well you’ll get through it, including the cost of repairs and renovations that may need to take place. Here’s a quick look of what you should do if you find yourself facing a flood and need basement flood damage repair for your Rochester home.
What to Do During an Unexpected Basement Flood
- Be careful. If your basement is finished and you have electrical outlets or other electrical appliances there, make sure to turn off the electrical circuit before entering the wet basement. There’s no sense in compounding a basement flood with a preventable tragedy.
- Find the source. Where is the water coming from? If it’s broken plumbing, you can turn off the water supply to stop more water from entering the basement. However, if it’s leaking through the foundation, make sure the sump pump is operating properly.
- Mitigate the damage. Though you can’t un-flood the basement, you can limit the damage that is done by removing items that are in harm’s way from flood waters. You can also start removing the water as quickly as possible using a sump pump, trash pump, or similar pump to remove excess water.
- Remove damaged items. If you have items that have become soaked, place them outside in the sun or in a well-ventilated space to dry. If they are still damp after 48 hours, they may need to be discarded. Rip out any soaked flooring or wall treatments to prevent mold or mildew from starting.
- Dry the basement space. Open any available doors or windows to keep fresh air coming in, and set up fans, heaters, or dehumidifiers to help remove as much moisture as possible. Clean up any mold as soon as it appears.
By taking steps to respond quickly to a basement flood, you can prevent a great deal of damage. However, being prepared with a waterproofed basement and appropriate water removal system is the best prevention. If you need help with getting your basement waterproofed and set up to remove excess water, Storm Basement Waterproofing in Rochester offers basement flood damage repair services and is ready to help. Contact us today to get started!
