Since basement flooding can happen to any home, it’s important to be aware of what to do if you come home to a flooded basement.
Flooding is a real possibility for all homeowners, even those who don’t live on a floodplain or near water. The truth is, all basements are prone to flooding since water flows downhill and pools at the lowest point- which is often your basement. Flooding can happen at any time, whether it’s from a frozen pipe, heavy rain overwhelmed sewer lines or a failed sump pump, & can be left with a frustrating problem to fix. Since it can happen to anyone, it’s important to be aware of what to do if you come home to a flooded basement.
Safety First
Flooding can cause severe and dangerous hazards, so be very cautious when inspecting your basement flood. Electrical hazards are a genuine danger, as almost all basements have electrical fixtures and outlets that could electrify the water. Therefore, it is best to shut off your electricity if possible. If you are unsure about your safety or need to wade through the water to turn off the electricity, you should call an electrician to assist you. Contaminated water is also a possibility, and the water could have contaminants that are unsafe for bodily contact.
Remove The Water
Your next step is to remove the water as soon as possible. If you have a flood drain, check that it is completely clear and unclogged to start getting rid of the standing water. Your drain should also be inspected after a flood, as sometimes floods can cause a drain to clog. If your sump pump is functioning properly, it should begin pumping the water out. In case of an event like this, it’s always a good idea to have a sump pump backup system.
Dehumidify
Once the water is removed, your job is not over yet. Mold can start growing within 24 hours, so you want to quickly dry out the basement to reduce mold growth. You can accomplish this by running a dehumidifier to absorb the water in the air, and set up fans in front of porous objects that have become saturated with water.
Keep Water Out Of Your basement, Call Aqua-Bright Today
Flooding can happen at any time, and the last thing you want is to put off fixing the problem until it’s too late. Your home’s drainage system should be checked out, and an examination of your basement can answer a lot of your questions. Does water seem to be entering your basement somehow? Does your sump pump seem to be constantly running? If you answered yes to either of these questions, call Aqua-Bright to nip the problem in the bud before it causes damage to your home.
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For more information about outdoor lighting, irrigation, and drainage for your Maryland home, call Aqua-Bright today at 410-489-9009 or take a tour of our website. We offer top-notch irrigation services from seasoned professionals. You can follow Aqua-Bright Irrigation & Illumination on Facebook, Twitter, Google+, and LinkedIn for more updates and information about our illumination and irrigation services! For examples of our work, check us out on Pinterest, too.