Storms, heavy rain and downpours are crucial factors that can quickly flood your home’s basement and cause irreplaceable damage afterwards. Every Canadian homeowner is opposed to basement flood risk, and that’s why it is necessary to undertake some immediate steps not only to handle the whole situation but also to prevent it from happening and causing serious issues to your health and home’s building structure.
Which Are the Leading Causes of Basement Flooding?
There are plenty of reasons that can lead to a basement flood. Some of them are:
Unsuitable Location
If your home’s lot grading is not properly planned, a surface drainage system may be directed toward your house. If so, you might want to think about rearranging your yard to direct rain or stormwater away from your house.
Improper Wall and Floor Sealing
To prevent water leaks and flooding, the basement floor and walls must be sealed off during home construction or remodelling. Regularly check the walls and floor of your basement. Any gaps or cracks you find should be sealed.
Clogged Water System
Water might overflow from obstructed gutters and downspouts due to debris. In the vicinity of your home’s foundation, the extra water may seep through the earth, flooding your basement. To ensure appropriate water flow, clean and examine your gutter system at least once a year.
Sewer Backup Occurrence
Stormwater or black water can occasionally overwhelm a sewer system. As a result, dangerous water can enter your home through floor drains, sinks, or toilets. To prevent backflows on the sanitary sewage line, install backwater valves.
Failed Sump Pump
Sump pumps protect your basement from flooding. To reduce the likelihood of a broken sump pump, they should be frequently inspected, cleaned, and tested.
Heavy Rainfall
In basements, extra water from heavy rains can quickly accumulate. Flooding in basements can occur as a result of water seeping through cracks or crevices around windows and doors.
Plumbing Leaks
A faulty pipe beneath your basement may eventually allow water to enter, resulting in a flood.
What Should I Do Instantly After My Basement Floods?
In such emergencies, it is essential to shut off any power sources available at your home. In case you are unsure of what to do, call a professional to prevent any further harm or damage.
Another thing that you have for sure to check is the source of the water that caused the basement damage. You have to identify if it was the heavy rain, leaking pipes or stormwater that caused damage flooding and wait until the storm has passed before repairing your basement.
1. Never Enter a Flooded Basement
Basement floods are not only dangerous for causing property damage but they also pose a significant to your and your family’s health. You have to shut off the electricity and call a professional to deal with this kind of emergency and prevent further flood-related issues. Otherwise, any electrical appliances and devices will definitely become far more dangerous if they come into contact with water.
2. Remove the Water
Once you have removed your home’s electrical devices or items that could cause possible harm, it is the right time to remove the water that has entered your basement. Actually, if your basement is flooded then this means that your sump pump has failed and you need to purchase another one and mainly use it to drain the water. A pump is not able to remove all the water from your flooded basement, so a mop and many towels are required to clean up the rest.
3. Prevent Mold and Mildew Growth
Dark and damp environments are always prone to mold and mildew growth. Mold spores can cause serious health hazards and structural damage to your property. IBX Services can help you by doing the required property testing and offer you cost-effective mold removal and water damage services. Do not use DIY mold removal kits or household elements as they will not yield any results. If you are not sure where to address this emergency, then call IBX Services at (416) 252-5959 and let our water damage crew assist you immediately, and help you with the damage created in your basement.
What Should I Do to Clean Up the Basement Flood?
A good thing you can do to clean up your basement is to use a pool pump, a dry vacuum, or a mop and bucket. Once you’ve removed as much of the excess water as you can, take your damaged goods out of the basement and place them somewhere that is well-ventilated so that they can dry off.
A 48 hours time frame to let your items dry is necessary. If they appear wet or damp again, then the best thing you can do is to get rid of them in order to avoid any upcoming mildew and mold growth. Also, cardboard boxes that are wet have to be removed as they can be a source of bacterial growth and a musty smell. It is necessary to give your basement some days to completely dry out as you will speed up this process by letting windows and doors open as much as possible. This will contribute to efficient home air circulation.
Lastly, you should also wash your walls and floors to remove the remaining dirt behind the flood.
In case you suspect more basement then seek professional help immediately.
