Unfortunately, flooded basements happen. Whether it’s from living in an area with heavy rains or because of ruptured plumbing, there’s a chance that your basement can turn into a miniature pool. When flooding occurs in your basement, you will be faced with various potential dangers. Which is why it is important to have a flooded basement cleaned as soon as possible. But whether you’ve experienced a flooded basement, or you’re looking to learn more so that you can prepare, we’re here to help you figure out what to do next.
If Your Basement Gets Flooded: The Immediate Aftermath
First thing’s first, stay out of the water as much as you can. In the case that sewage has been brought up through your floor drains during the flooding, the water can be full of harmful bacteria. Also, if you have any electrical equipment in your basement, it could make the risk of electrocution all the greater. Instead of trying to wade into the water or risk falling in, it’s time to make some calls to begin the wet basement repair process.
Calling the Electrician
If you have electrical equipment in the basement, call for the electrician. They will turn your power off for you. Once the risk of electrocution has been removed from the equation, it’s time to call in the professionals to deal with the water.
Who Next to Call: What Is the Source of the Water Problem?
Depending on the source of your flooded basement problem, that will help you figure out who to call next. If you have a ruptured pipe, water tank, or waste line, calling for a plumber will be your next step. Or if it’s because of a septic tank backup or because your sewer line has become clogged and backed up, you may want to call for a septic specialist. Also, you might want to speak with your local sewage department to see if the sewer clog is somewhere in your neighborhood (it may even be affecting your neighbors too).
If Your Flooded Basement is Due to Foundation Problems
If your flooded basement is because of foundation problems, then you may need to contact a foundation repair expert. They can inspect your basement and design a solution. These solutions may involve sealing cracks or cleaning out the French drains in the basement. With the right foundation or basement repair expert, you can account for all possible sources of leaks. If you have a preexisting drainage system that’s failing, they’ll know how to clean or replace the French drains in your basement.
But now that you know who to call, you may be wondering: how much does it cost?
How Much for Cleaning a Flooded Basement?
The total cost for your basement cleanup depends on how much water has entered your basement. Another factor is how quick the water gets removed. The longer water sits in your basement, the more damage that can happen! From minor pooling to a severe flooding of the basement, repair costs can range anywhere from $10,000 to $50,000. These are just estimates. A professional will provide their own price quote based on their inspection of your basement.
There are some things that you can clean and tidy up yourself. But there are a lot of things that should be left to the professionals, such as the electrician. For example, there are specialists for checking your septic system after a flooded basement incident.
You can feasibly take care of your own replacement drywall and carpeting if you had done up your basement. Along with removing all water-damaged items in your basement, you should also be sure to disinfect everything that was within the water’s reach. You wouldn’t want any harmful bacteria to be lingering in your basement. The cleaning process will also help prevent mold from gaining a foothold.
Also, if you live in an area that you suspect may have flooding occur, be sure to double check with your homeowner’s insurance. See if there is coverage or an option for coverage against flooding. Flood insurance can do you a great favor in recovering from such an event. However, be sure to be thorough in your documentation in the event of a flood. Take lots of pictures and videos of the damage that has occurred.
Can I Prevent Flooding In My Basement?
Many wet basement situations are caused by what’s known as hydrostatic pressure. This pressure is created when water collects and sits against your foundation. As hydrostatic pressure builds, water can get pushed through the cold joints (such as the seam between the basement wall and floor slab) and moisture can seep through the porous concrete. After enough time and repeated pressure against the foundation, the concrete may crack, providing an easier way for water to leak in.
Knowing that hydrostatic pressure is the source, the question becomes how to prevent it from becoming a problem. There’s no way to completely keep water and moisture out of your basement. But you can take control of where that water and moisture goes. That’s what interior basement waterproofing can do for you.
What’s Interior Basement Waterproofing?
For an interior basement waterproofing system, a waterproofing expert will install drainage channels along the inside perimeter of the basement. Those channels are designed to collect incoming water and lead them to a sump pit. Within the sump pit, a sump pump then pushes the water out of your home through a discharge pipe. The water is dispensed outside away from your home, so that it can’t reach your foundation. The end result is a reduction in hydrostatic pressure, and your basement remains dry.
Repair Your Water-Damaged Basement with ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing
Whether your French drains are failing, or you have a basement wall with leaking cracks, ’58 Foundations & Waterproofing has the high-quality products and honest methods to make your basement safe and dry once again with our basement waterproofing methods. From effective drainage channels to sump pump installation, we’ll help keep water out of your basement and foundation, so that you can have the peace of mind you deserve while using your basement. Call us today to schedule for a free basement waterproofing inspection and estimate!