Basement flooding is distressful to any homeowner. Heavy rains and natural flooding are often the major culprits. Though burst pipes, major leaks, and sewage leaks might cause the problem. Extensive flooding can damage the flooring, personal stuff in the basement, and building materials and instigate mold/mildew growth harmful to your health.

Water Damage Restoration

When the basement of your home gets flooded, contact a local water damage restoration to help you out. They help you with any situation, whether it’s a pipe burst or floodwater after torrential rains. Water damage restoration should commence immediately after assessing the damage. 

Don’t wait for a couple of days to kickstart the process, as the situation could get out of hand. Any delay also creates a window for mold to grow and take over the basement. Most basement restoration services follow these steps.

Find The Source Of Floodwater

Unless the water source is torrential rains, the water remediation service will uncover the source of the basement flooding and prevent more water from coming in. They will then fix it and create a restoration plan depending on the flooding level and extent of the damage. 

If the floodwaters contain sewage or toxic substance, the company will take precautions and measures to minimize pollution.

Water damage restoration ought to start immediately after assessing the damage. Don’t wait for a couple of days to kickstart the process, as the situation could get out of hand. Any delay also creates a window for mold to grow and take over the basement.

Extract Water Using A Sump Pump

Begin your cleanup by clearing basement water with a pool pump or a wet/dry vacuum. A basement sump pump is apt for the water removal process as it can operate underwater. Once you remove the bulk of the water, move any soggy items out of your basement and let them dry out for the next 48 hours. 

If your items are still damp, it’s best to discard them to avoid mold/mildew growth. Cardboard boxes, in particular, should go as they are susceptible to bacterial growth. You can get new ones anytime.

Sheetrock, Insulation, And Baseboards

Whenever these fixtures come into contact with basement water, they can easily swell and buckle. This affects the wall framing and lowers the effectiveness of your basement insulation. Your basement flooding remediation company will remove all soggy materials then replace them later on.

Dry Out The Basement

After ejecting the floodwater from the basement using a sump pump, restoration professionals drain the wet materials using advanced drying equipment. They will bring air movers and dehumidifiers to the basement area to boost air circulation to dry out the air. 

Keep windows and doors wide open. Rip out any carpet immediately so the flooring beneath can dry out properly. The drying process usually takes between 3-5 days.

Cleaning And Disinfection

Food water usually contains dangerous microorganisms that can be harmful to your health. The water can also lead to mold/mildew growth. Once the water is cleared, the restoration professionals clean and sanitizes the interior and all the affected stuff inside the basement with advanced cleaning products and disinfectants.

Carpet Restoration

Your basement carpet is extremely vulnerable to water and can easily get damaged during a flooding event. Excess water will hurt the fiber, and the backing increases the risk of mold formation. During basement restoration, the professionals will pull up the carpet and padding, evaluate the damage, and restore what they can save. Don’t try to remove permanent flooring or carpeting on your own. Instead, let the basement technicians handle the removal.

Inspect For Mold

Almost every basement flooding incident leads to mold. And the wet conditions and an abundance of food in the basement can accelerate their growth. Your local remediation company will check for mold signs and perform mold remediation to rectify the problem.

Structural Damage Restoration

After drying and cleaning the carpet, the restoration professionals will assess the structural damage and liaise with your insurer to create a reconstruction plan. They will seal cracks on your walls, repair the floor, and replace water-damaged beams and other support structures down there. 

A certified basement restoration service is always the best and safest bet than a DIY as they can restore your flooded basement to its original condition, if not better.

Waterproof The Basement

With structural repairs complete, the certified basement expert will embark on basement waterproofing. They will install basement gutters beneath the floor to collect water, install and configure a dehumidifier to keep moisture in check, and a sump pump to prevent ponding. 

They will also assess your home’s exterior and advise you to fix gutters or regrade the yard. While these basement solutions will cost you some money, they’re going to avert future basement flooding and the problems associated with it.

Notify Your Insurer

It’s important to inform your insurer of the water damage in your location if your insurance coverage includes flooding. Your restoration company will assess the level of water damage in the basement and report their findings to your insurance company so they can determine the compensation.

Have a Flooded Basement in Lansing, MI?

Water damage is a serious problem that requires swift action and fast response. Whether you need help with sump pump installation or remediation immediately after a flood, the professional team at Ameri Pro Restoration can help avert a disaster and help you get back to your feet in less than a week. 

Call our 24/7 emergency line (517) 622-3377 to request free estimates for water damage, sewage damage, and mold remediation.