When Your Basement Gets Flooded: Tips To Prevent Further Damage To Your Home
Posted on: 29 March 2017
When your basement gets flooded, you can end up with a big mess on your hands. If the water has been sitting for any length of time, water can seep into your walls. Mold and mildew grow in moist environments, and getting rid of the water completely is essential to avoid this growth that can cause health problems for you and your family. While you may be able to clean up some of the water on your own, knowing how to clean up the water safely is important. If the water contains any sewage, you'll want a professional to do the work for you. In addition, when you can't see where all of the water has gone, you'll need a professional company to get the job done right.
When Water Sits for a Few Days
You may not notice a flooded basement right away. If you are away on vacation or you simply didn't go in your basement for a few days and you find water, it has probably already seeped into your walls. If you have walls that are covered in sheet rock, this needs to be thoroughly dried out before it's safe to return to your basement. Sometimes the integrity of the sheet rock will get ruined during the drying process, and you may need to have the walls completely replaced.
If the Water Source is Mixed
If you aren't sure whether the water is wastewater from your home, a broken pipe, or both, you'll want to have a professional do the job. Any wastewater may contain harmful bacteria, and it's not worth the risk to your health to handle wastewater without the right equipment. Wastewater will require specialized handling and cleaning techniques to ensure that your basement is safe for you to inhabit.
When Water Seeps Throughout the Basement
While you may be able to see standing water and remove it, it's important to remember how easily water seeps into areas that you can't see. If you don't find all of the water, you will create a breeding ground for mold and mildew spores to grow. Over time, the spores will spread throughout your basement. This can cause respiratory distress for those living in your home, especially for those who are already dealing with asthma.
When you have a flooded basement, it's time to call a professional water damage restoration company for help. They will be able to clean up the water effectively, so that your home will remain safe.
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