What To Do If Your Basement Floods

The devastation and damage from floodwater in your home can be overwhelming. But the harmful effects of water damage can be reduced greatly by the prompt and reliable water damage restoration services from Roto-Rooter. Our plumbing and water cleanup experts are available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to help you know what to do when your home floods.

It’s best to first be prepared in the case of unexpected flooding. If you find yourself with floodwater in your home, you will want to take certain steps to prevent further damage and to beat mold after a flood.

• If the flooding is caused by a broken pipe or fixture, turn off the water to your home

• Turn off the electrical power but don’t enter a flooded room or area if there is risk of electrocution.

• Unplug and remove electronics and appliances

• Remove furniture and other portable items from the affected area

• Get rid of the water. Call a professional like Roto-Rooter, that has the proper extraction equipment for water removal 24 hours a day, 365 days a year

• Pull up and remove affected carpet and padding

• Dry out the affected area with fans and dehumidifiers to eliminate the risk of mold and mildew.

• Disinfect to rid the area of potential bacteria

• Call your insurance company

• Document the damage and losses

With regard to what is damaged, it is best to take photographs to document and assess the destruction. Then, call your insurance agent as soon as possible to get the claims process started. The earlier you do this, the sooner you can begin repairs. A comprehensive insurance plan may not cover all flood damage, so it is best to take a look at how best to begin recovery. Quick reaction times and immediate activity can decrease further harm to your home and belongings.

When it comes to the clean-up process, basic drying strategies are not sufficient when expelling floodwater in your home. Carpet, walls and floor coverings are porous which means a simple cleaning will not suffice. Surface cleaning only removes visible contamination. Significant quantities of microorganisms are often left behind, which can potentially cause health problems and unpleasant odors. Remember, mold can grow in an untreated damp environment within the first 24 to 48 hours. So all surfaces affected by water damage must be thoroughly cleaned, disinfected and deodorized in order to properly eliminate disease-causing bacteria, fungi, mold and mildew.

There are things Roto-Rooter recommends to prevent future flooding and help keep your home safe and dry:

• Frequently inspect water lines and seals on washing machines, water heaters, dishwashers, ice makers and other water appliances, and replace as needed

• Drain water heaters every six months, or at least annually, to prevent sediment buildup

• Help prevent frozen pipes by maintaining the heat in your home no less that 55 degrees fahrenheit when the outside temperature drops below freezing

• Insulate exposed water supply pipes and open sink cabinet doors to expose pipes to warm air

• Inspect the water shut-off valve regularly and replace if it is broken or won’t work

• Test your sump pump at least once a year and during periods of heavy rainfall

You can depend on the specialists at Roto-Rooter to remove all types of floodwater whether it’s clean water, stormwater, gray water or even sewage contaminated black water. A Roto-Rooter plumber can fix any plumbing problems that contributed to the flood while Roto-Rooter water cleanup/restoration crews will remove the water, dry, clean and decontaminate your home. Roto-Rooter will also help guide you through the process, and will work in concert with your insurance company in the aftermath of a home flood so you will have less to worry about.