What To Do When Your Basement Floods

There are many household problems that can be prevented with home improvement projects. Unfortunately, some homeowners may experience a household emergency that can rarely be prevented with even the best home improvement maintenance. A flooded basement is one of the most frustrating types of home damage to deal with. Not only does it damage your belongings, but the presence of water can create other long-term damages due to mold or rot. If you wake up to a flooded basement, take these home improvement steps to fix it.

• Don't Panic
  If your basement floods, it's important that you stay calm. A flooded basement can be a dangerous scenario. You'll need to assess many elements of your home, safely prepare to resolve the problem, and know when you need professional help.
• Call a Professional
  Because a flooded basement may be a scenario you rarely encounter, it's wise to know your limits and call a professional. A professional can safely assess your issue, resolve it, and help you determine which home improvement projects will restore your basement to its former glory.
• Check Your Exterior for Flooding
  Whether or not you call in a professional, you'll need to figure out where the water is coming from. Immediately go outside to see if rain or snow is causing the flooding. If so, you should not try to fix the problem until the storm stops.
• Shut Off Electricity, Gas, & Water to the Area
  Obviously, shutting off your water is important if a pipe has burst. You also should shut off your gas and electricity to the basement, as these elements can make the area more dangerous.
• Put On Protective Gear
  We don't recommend that you get into the waterlogged area yourself, but some homeowners try to solve this problem without a professional. Before you wade into the basement, you need to make sure you're protected. You should wear waterproof boots, gloves, waders, and a mask.
• Remove Items if Possible
  If there are easily movable items like boxes or small pieces of furniture that you can remove from the area, do so first. Place these items in an area where they can air out and dry completely. Be cautious when removing any electrical items.
• Remove Water if Possible
  If you can remove the standing water, you should try to as safely as possible. Use buckets, a shop vacuum, or even a sump pump to pump the water outside to a space that will not allow it to make its way back inside. If you see points of entry, you may want to plan home improvement projects to block it.
• Throw Away Damaged Items
  Some items may sustain too much water damage to salvage. Throw these items away immediately to prevent mold growth. 
• Dry the Area Thoroughly
  One home improvement mistake many homeowners make is not drying out their basement completely. You'll need to wash the area to remove all dirt and debris, then replace drywall or insulation that got wet. Air the space out and let it fully dry before applying an anti-mildew spray to prevent mold growth. 
• Prepare for Future Flooding
  Unfortunately, basement flooding can happen at any time despite your best home improvement practices. Consider purchasing flood insurance to safeguard your home. You can also proactively protect your basement with home improvement projects such as maintaining your gutters and checking for water points of entry.

No homeowner wants their basement to flood, but this unfortunate occurrence happens to plenty of homeowners. Stay safe, stay smart, and call a professional for help with home improvement projects when your basement floods.

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