Immediate Steps to Take After a Basement Flood and How Water Damage Remediation Will Help

12/15/2020 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: Basement flooding can lead to severe problems in any building, and property owners only have a short time to remedy the situation with the help of water restoration companies. Learn about how water damage can affect basements and the immediate steps to take before other remediation efforts from the professionals at SERVPRO of West Fort Worth, TX. 

Immediate Steps to Take After Basement Flood and Water Damage Remediation

Whether your basement floods from a plumbing leak, fire suppression efforts, or an act of nature, unless you take prompt action, water damage can cause severe structural damages to the building and problems that can affect your health.

Understanding how basements flood and the types of water damage they cause will help you protect your home or business from unfortunate situations. It’s also necessary to learn how water damage restoration companies can bring your basement back to its original condition. Here, the experts at SERVPRO of West Fort Worth explain these topics in detail. 

Water Damage Risks from Basement Flooding

Water can get into your basement in four ways:

1. Through the drainage system or sump
2. Through cracks in the wall or floor
3. Through entry points like windows and doors
4. Through sewer lines under the house

Most people use their basement for storage unless they transform it into a room for daily use. With flooding, personal property like appliances, furniture, garments, and heirlooms are susceptible to irreparable damage.

Water damage can also affect flooring, drywall, and paint. Intense flooding around the house can weaken your foundation, which is where the basement sits, causing a visible shift to the building’s structure. Examples of shifting include gaps between walls and the ceiling or cracks in the floor.

Steps to Take Immediately After Your Basement Floods

Even a minor flood can rack up tens of thousands in repair costs, and the expenses go higher the longer you put off flood cleanup efforts. If you’re unsure what to do if your basement has rising water levels, stay out of the basement, and follow these steps.

• Turn Off Power

Water and electricity create a dangerous situation. If your circuit breaker is in another room, turn it off immediately to stop electricity from flowing into your home. If the breaker is in the basement, do not enter the room, and call an electrician. 

• Arrange for Water Removal and Cleanup

The longer water stays in the basement, the more water damage you will have. If you have more than a foot of water in the room, you may not be able to remove it all yourself, so reach out to water restoration companies who offer water removal and flood cleanup services, such as SERVPRO of Fort Worth. These experts will quickly rid the basement of water and proceed with drying efforts. 

Once they remove the water, they will use high-powered fans and blowers to dry every surface within the basement thoroughly. Neglecting this step can lead to further damages, including mold growth.

• Prevent Mold Growth

Mold flourishes in dark, damp locations, and inhaling their spores can cause respiratory illnesses. Mold will start growing within 24 to 48 hours after a flood, so you may need to contact mold remediation companies for mold removal. Some water restoration companies offer the service.

• Contact a Building Restoration Service

Building restoration includes water damage cleanup and restores your salvageable personal belongings and property. This professional service includes everything from flooring repair to furniture drying and restoration, typically necessary after a flood.

Water Damage Remediation Tips

After your basement floods and your water damage remediation efforts are complete, you should actively prevent the problem from occurring again to save time and money on repairs and replacements. One way to ensure that the remediation efforts remain effective is to schedule an occasional basement inspection and check for signs of moisture, mold, and other damages.

Another way to prevent another basement flood is with basement waterproofing. This process seals gaps, cracks, holes, and other openings within the foundation to prevent water from seeping into the area. Interior basement waterproofing is highly effective. Exterior waterproofing is ideal for maximum results, but only if you are willing to excavate the land around the house to access outdoor basement walls.

Why SERVPRO

For years, the experts at SERVPRO have been serving residential and commercial clients throughout the Fort Worth, Texas, area. As a leading water and building restoration company, their trained technicians offer various top-quality services, including fire damage restoration, water removal, and professional cleaning. 

To learn more about how they can mitigate basement water damage, call (817) 560-3086 or follow them on Facebook for their latest news and updates.

Contact Information:

SERVPRO of West Fort Worth

P: (817) 560-3086

8008 Camp Bowie W Blvd

Ste #106

Fort Worth, TX 76116