From leaking pipes to damaged pipes and anything that can lead to basement flood repairs, here are some things you can do if your home is flooded. Fixing basement flooding is never easy, but knowing how to fix basement flooding immediately can help reduce any long-term damage to your property. No matter what is causing the water to return to your home, knowing what to do when your basement floods can help prevent a bad situation from getting worse.
Take Action
Firstly we want to find the source of the flood, remove water from the basement, and start cleaning.
If there is water left in the basement after rain, make sure the storm has passed before assessing the damage and starting repairs. Depending on how much water is in the basement, you will need a standing water pump located at the lowest point in the basement, and you can use a wet/dry vacuum when the water level is less than 2 inches. Without a collector pump, water can rise through the ground and enter the house, causing flooding in the basement and other parts of the house.
Once you’ve identified the source of the flood and possibly stopped the leak, you can move on to salvaging items from the flooded basement. After removing as much water as possible, move damaged items from the basement to a well-ventilated area to dry. Start your cleanup by removing water from flooded basements with a pool pump, wet/dry vacuum, or mop and bucket. Anything that can be recovered from a flooded basement should be placed in a clean, dry place, such as a garage, where it may start to dry out.
Common Causes
Flood prevention within your home can often be an afterthought, once you’ve already sustained damage from the intruding water. Here you can see a list of the most common reasons for you to experience a flood.
- Heavy and persistent rain
- Improperly Installed Downspouts
- Lack of gutter maintenance leading to debris build-up
- Lack of basement sealing
- Water tank rupture
- Water line breaks
- Poor outdoor drainage and grading
Prevention
If you live in an area that is prone to flooding, or your home isn’t properly prepared for flood conditions, there are some steps you can take to help mitigate the risk of damage at every price point.
- Keep your gutters clear of debris, check that downspouts are properly installed
- Maintain all equipment in area of concern. For example, a faulty pipe or old water heater may be the cause of your flood.
- Incase of flooding, try to keep the area of concern as empty as possible
- Check the grading around your home. Regrade if necessary to direct water away from your home, instead of towards it.
- Seal and treat entire basement
- Install sump pump/French drain
Get In Touch
Waterproofing jobs can be done by yourself in some cases, but if you’d like help from a contractor, Almand Bros should be your one-stop destination. We have been delivering high-quality waterproofing projects in New Jersey since 1985.
Our services include concrete and masonry installation and repair, custom stonework, basement waterproofing, grading and watershed, and snow removal services. You can call us at (856) 310-1390 to get a free estimate. You can also fill our online contact form to get in touch.