4 Steps for Drying a Flooded Basement

10/8/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Austin, TX

Ways To Remove Water From Your Basement

No one thinks about how to handle water in their basement until they have to. By following these four steps, you can drain your way out a basement flood.

1. Call Your Agent To Check Coverage
Insurance coverage can be a little murky when it comes to a flooded basement. Your ability to file a claim is dependent on how your basement became flooded. If pipes burst, that is considered an immediate accident and will most likely be covered. However, if you ignore a leaky pipe and sustain gradual water damage, you might be paying that repair bill on your own.

2. Find the Source but Stay Out of the Water
Try to find where the water is coming from. Decide if there is a safe way for you to stop flooding via a shutoff valve or other means. Above all, never wade into any water in your basement. You do not know what else is in it. It is also possible that any electronics or wiring have been compromised and you could be electrocuted.

3. Get All of the Water Out
For a substantial amount of water, rent a water pump or call a professional to have it taken out. Once you have the majority of the water removed, you can finish up any remaining spots with a wet/dry vacuum.

4. Have a Professional Inspect for Damage
The general rule for a basement flood is to remove or replace any material that has soaked up water. Wood and drywall are absorbent, so if they get wet and stay moist, they will promote mold growth. It is best to call in a water damage specialist to make an assessment of the resulting damage to see what needs to be done.
Dealing with a basement flood is a real headache, but by knowing you’re covered and who to call in Austin,TX, you won’t have to wade through the problem alone.