However, some of the worst issues can occur after the water is cleaned up because areas that are out of sight, like under the floor or inside the walls, can become breeding grounds for mold and mildew if the home isn’t properly cleaned and treated with an anti-mold solution. A high level of mold in the home greatly impacts air quality and can lead to the development of respiratory problems, among other health issues. Make sure that you know what to do after your basement floods to reduce the immediate damage and begin preparations for restoration. In some cases, you may not be able to reach the breaker box to shut down the electricity. At this point, it’s necessary to call a qualified electrician to shut down the electricity. Similarly, you should shut down any gas appliances, like the hot water tank, gas dryer, or furnace. These appliances will need to be inspected before they can be turned back on to ensure that they were not damaged in the flood. Water from a backed-up septic system won’t continue to flood the home if the drains are not used, so it’s a good idea to turn off the water to prevent further flooding in this case, as well. However, if the flooding is caused by excess rain, sleet, melting snow, or ice then you will need to locate the exact point where the water is entering the basement to control the leak with towels or buckets until you can have the foundation repaired by a professional. If the basement has a floor drain, make sure to keep it clear from obstructions so that the water can begin to drain out of your home. Just keep in mind that this floor drain is relatively useless if the problem was caused by a clogged septic system. This information will be very important when you contact your home insurance company. Just keep in mind that if you didn’t sign up for flood coverage, then you may be stuck shouldering the costs of the damage. Mops and buckets are a good way to start, but it will be much easier to move a large volume of water with a pump or even a wet/dry shop vac. When most of the water has been removed, switch to towels, cloths, and sponges to soak up the remainder of the water. Prepare an area in a shed or garage where the items can be stored while they dry. If the weather permits, consider putting the items out in the sun to help them dry out quicker. Any items that are still wet or damp after about 48 hours may have already developed mold and mildew. Consider which items can be kept and which items will need to be thrown out. While you are ripping up the flooring, it’s also advised to take out any underlay or plyboards. If you have a raised floor, the 2x4 support beams can usually be dried out and reused, but they will need to be treated with anti-mold spray to prevent mold and mildew growth. Wet and damaged drywall and insulation will also need to be taken out and replaced, though the drywall framework can, in most cases, be left in place to dry. The best way to thoroughly dry out the basement is to open any windows (weather permitting) then set up one or more fans to help improve the air circulation in the area. One or more dehumidifiers will pull moisture from the air and collect it in a bucket that you will need to empty about once every 4 to 6 hours. If you don’t have fans or a dehumidifier, you can typically buy or rent them from your local hardware store. A scented cleaner is a great way to help remove the smell: Just make sure to wear a mask and that the basement is properly ventilated to avoid inhaling powerful cleaning chemical fumes while you work. Foundation experts can inspect and advise on the next steps for repairing foundation cracks and leaks, while you would need to speak to a plumbing company that specializes in septic system maintenance and repair to begin the process of emptying and unclogging your septic system. If the primary cause of the flood is not addressed and resolved flooding is likely to reoccur.
