A Homeowner's Guide To Handling A Flooded Basement

The basement that you have in your home was most likely initially put there to be a functional place. In fact, a good dry basement is the perfect extension of the upstairs living space and many homes have basement rooms that are used just as much as the rest of the home. However, if you have a basement that is prone to leaks during wet and rainy seasons, the basement can feel more like an underground cave that offers no inherent use value to your home.

Many homeowners are shocked when they find their basement flooded for the first time. If you have a pond growing rapidly in the lower underground level of your house, it is likely that you need to know what to do:

Should you start eliminating water even if it is still coming in?

If the basement is becoming flooded, it is always best to start trying to remove water as quickly as you can. You never know just how deep the water level could get if it continues to flood.

Even if you never use your basement, water can start to seep into the walls, floors, and structure of the rest of your house. So slip on some hip-waders or boots and go ahead and start trying to get rid of the water already present.

If your basement has no drain or sump-pump, avoid grabbing buckets of water and disposing of them nearby as this will likely just lead to the water being funneled back through the ground and into your basement. It is a good idea to get a portable water pump with a long enough hose to funnel the water several yards away from your house, or in another drain in the home.

What is the best way to dry out the basement once the water is removed?

Once you have as much water as possible out of the basement, use heat and circulating air to dry out the space. It is imperative that you be attentive to a moist basement, because the slightest amount of moisture can lead to flood damage and mold issues.

Contact a professional who can help you  waterproof your basement with professional flood-proofing techniques, such as installing drain lines and repairing any discrepancies in the surrounding perimeter that are allowing water in.

With work, time, and attention, it is possible to handle a flooding situation in your basement. It is much better to be proactive than it is to have to seek flood damage repair later on down the road. Have more questions? Click here for more information and help.