What to Do if Your Basement Floods -Durham, NC

Rain is on the way now that summer is here. As the temperature rises, the snow melts, and the rainy season approaches, the chances of your basement flooding increase. If you find yourself in a flooded basement, here are some things you can do

1. Turn off the power and gas near the flooded area. Never go into a flooded basement if you have the electricity still on. Whenever you are unsure of where or how to turn off the electricity, consult an electrician.

2. When to remove the water. In the event of flooding caused by a storm, you should wait for the storm to pass before removing the water. In the event that your sump pump fails, you will have to purchase a new one before attempting to remove the water. To remove all of the water, other methods, such as towels and mops, may be needed. Water should be removed as soon as possible to prevent the growth of mold.

3. Remove all damp and flood-damaged items such as couches, bookshelves, boxes, and so on. For a fully dry basement, it's best to remove your carpet.

 4. Allow several days for the area to completely dry before returning any flooring or furniture. You can speed up the process by opening windows, doors, or adding fans.

5. When the walls and floors are dry, spray them with an anti-mildew solution. Mold and mildew will be less likely to form in the future if you do this.

 6. Determine the cause of future floods to prevent them in the future. Did all the rainwater rush into your basement during a heavy storm? Did a pipe burst, and will other pipes need to be repaired to prevent future flooding? Keeping up your basement, making sure your landscaping will not cause flooding in the future and protecting your home in the best way possible can all be done by a professional.

Water damage in your home can result from a flooded basement, an appliance malfunction, or any other disaster, so contact Restoration 1 of Durham-Greensboro so we can provide an accurate assessment and begin the restoration process.