Climate change has brought extreme weather changes and basement flooding is becoming more common.
Here are some tips from our experts on how to deal with a flooded basement.
Safety first!
Never enter a flooded basement until experts tell you the area is safe to avoid the chance of electrical shock and/or walking through contaminated water.
- Turn off the power to the home if possible.
- File an insurance claim right away.
- Get your fans & dehumidifiers out and drying! This process takes about 3 to 4 days to fully dry out a spot in your basement.
- Get rid of water. If the water is over 2 feet DO NOT remove the water yourself, call us right away!
- Remove any items or furniture that got wet to a dry place for them to dry out.
- Along with removing wet objects, if you have carpet in your basement, you will want to remove it. Pull the padding out from under the carpets. Sometimes carpet is salvageable, but typically the carpet and padding beneath it need total replacement.
- Assess the damage.
- Call Restorations at Highmark for all your water damage needs.
The best way to avoid moisture in your home is prevention. Most basements have some sort of moisture or dampness, but this can be monitored and contained in a few simple steps.
Tips to prevent moisture in your basement:
- Use landscaping solutions such as diverting rain spouts, installing a rain garden, or use heavier mulch.
- Keep your gutters clean and downspouts directing away from your home.
- Make sure your sump pump is clean of debris and has the proper backup power supply (at least 120 volts). The power often goes out due to weather, which can happen when you get a lot of rain. Sump pumps act as a floor drain sucking water out your basement.
- Get your sewer inspected or your septic tank cleaned.
- Install basement window well covers.
- Buy a humidity meter if you have an annoying damp basement. It can help you keep an eye on the moisture in your basement.
- Get a good humidifier. Don’t skimp on a humidifier, get one that is the proper size for your basement.
If you are in the Twin Cities area and have a flooded basement, please contact our 24/7 emergency line at 952-882-8904.
