What Causes Flooded Basements and What Should Be Done After One Happens?

10/9/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Liberty, MO

Your basement has suffered severe flooding and you have no idea how it happened. Everything remains underwater and the mess must be cleaned, but you don’t know where to begin. Remain calm and read on.

What Causes a Basement Flood?

There are a few possibilities for why your lower level now resembles an indoor pool, among them:

• Incorrectly installed tiles
• Inadequate sealing
• Overflowing gutters
• Improperly installed downspouts
  

Structural faults like these can be avoided through proper maintenance. Feel free to conduct your own repairs, but hire a professional if you ever feel unsure.
Another major complication that commonly results in basement flooding is faulty plumbing. Have a pipe repair expert tackle the matter before concerns develop.
Unfortunately, even the best efforts sometimes fail to prevent disaster. Learn the proper response after a catastrophe occurs.

What Should You Do After a Basement Flood?
Before calling upon a water restoration authority, contact your insurance provider to check your coverage and then file a claim if appropriate.
Shut down power to prevent the danger of electric shock. A qualified electrician can help if you are unable to safely reach the circuit breaker.
Wear protection before entering the affected area. Keep in mind that mold grows after dampness sets in. Rubber gloves, waterproof boots and facemasks are highly recommended for safety.
Use a sump pump to evacuate as much water as possible. Run fans to speed up the drying process and deploy a dehumidifier to discourage harmful fungus from taking hold.
Remove anything soaked, including drywall and insulation. Even carpeting may need to be excised. Clean the walls and floor, along with any other exposed surface. As a final step, install waterproofing measures in case the experience ever repeats.
Specific reasons exist as to why flooding may affect your home in Liberty, MO. Take preventive measures to halt them from precipitating severe disruption. Should your worst nightmare happen anyway, following the above recommendations can help restore everything back to normal.