Facing Flooding at Home?
Here's How to Get Through It
Dealing with water in your basement or crawl space? You’re not alone and we know how stressful it can be. Flooding in these areas is more common than you’d think, but that doesn’t make it any easier to face. The silver lining? With the right steps, cleanup can be manageable. Keep reading to learn how to take control and start getting things back on track.
Prioritize Safety and Identify the Source
If water is actively entering your basement or crawl space, act fast but be safe. Before going near the water, make sure no electrical panels, outlets, or cords are in contact with it. Turn off the power to the affected area and use flashlights if needed.
Next, identify the source. Common culprits include:
If water is actively entering your basement or crawl space, act fast but be safe. Before going near the water, make sure no electrical panels, outlets, or cords are in contact with it. Turn off the power to the affected area and use flashlights if needed.
Next, identify the source. Common culprits include:
- Burst or leaking pipes
- Clogged gutters
- Malfunctioning water heaters
- Heavy rainfall or snowmelt
- Poorly sealed foundations
If a pipe is to blame, shut off your water supply immediately. And if the damage is beyond your DIY comfort zone, don’t hesitate to call in the pros. Be sure to document everything for insurance purposes with clear photos.
Remove Standing Water Quickly
Once the source is under control, it’s time to get the water out – fast! Standing water can cause serious damage in a short amount of time, seeping into wood, concrete, and drywall, leading to mold growth, structural issues, and pests.
Thoroughly Dry the Area
Even after the water is gone, moisture will linger. Use high-powered fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process and pull moisture from the air. Avoid letting the space air-dry naturally, it’s too slow and can invite mold and mildew. The faster you dry the area, the less damage you’ll face in the long run.
Address Any Mold Immediately
If flooding has been ongoing or wasn’t addressed quickly, mold may already be forming on surfaces and belongings.
Mold won’t disappear on its own, it spreads fast and can pose serious health risks. Have the area tested and, if needed, hire a certified remediation professional to follow a cleaning protocol developed by an industrial hygienist.
Even after the water is gone, moisture will linger. Use high-powered fans and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process and pull moisture from the air. Avoid letting the space air-dry naturally, it’s too slow and can invite mold and mildew. The faster you dry the area, the less damage you’ll face in the long run.
Address Any Mold Immediately
If flooding has been ongoing or wasn’t addressed quickly, mold may already be forming on surfaces and belongings.
Mold won’t disappear on its own, it spreads fast and can pose serious health risks. Have the area tested and, if needed, hire a certified remediation professional to follow a cleaning protocol developed by an industrial hygienist.
If you lose items to water damage, consider off-the-ground storage in the future to protect valuables.
Make Repairs to Prevent Future Issues
Don’t let this be a recurring problem. Fix the underlying issue promptly, whether it’s sealing cracks, improving drainage, or upgrading your sump pump. In high-humidity areas like basements, running a dehumidifier year-round can go a long way in preventing future moisture buildup.
Often, basement flooding isn’t caused by a single event, it builds up slowly over time. That’s why regular inspections, clutter-free storage, and proactive maintenance can make a huge difference.
We’re Here to Help. Flooding can be stressful, but you don’t have to handle it alone. Our team is ready to jump in with fast, reliable cleanup and restoration services. With expert care and compassionate service, we’ll help you get back to normal as quickly as possible.
