Tips to Clean a Flooded Basement

Basements are prone to flooding. A basement flood could happen for a variety of reasons, which include clogged downspouts or storm gutters and ground saturation due to high water tables. When you notice that your basement has flooded, the first thing you need to do is determine the source of the water and stop the flow.

Once the source of the flooded basement has been addressed, you should begin the cleanup process as soon as possible. However, it is vital to make sure that there are no hazards in the water before you start, such as a live wire that could electrocute you.

Here are some important steps for cleaning your basement:

• Choose the right equipment – The first step in the cleanup is removing the water with the right equipment. If the basement flood is a minor one, you can eliminate water using a mop or towels. But when the water is deep, you will need a sump pump or a wet vacuum to remove the water. Using a sump pump may be problematic. You will need an electrical outlet outside of the basement and a long hose for the water drain because the normal drain will be submerged. If can’t drain the water on your own, call on Utah disaster cleanup specialists.
• Prioritize the area to be drained – Start draining the area that is likely to sustain the most damage due to the sitting water.
• Clean and sanitize – Once the water has been drained, you will have to focus on cleaning and sanitizing the basement to prevent the growth of mildew and mold. If there is sewage in the basement, sanitizing will be especially important to contain any disease-causing bacteria.
• Dry – Thoroughly dry your basement to stop mold infestation. Make sure that the walls and flooring are completely dry as well as any furniture and other belongings that were affected by the water. If it is not raining, open the basement windows to let fresh air inside and hasten the drying process. You can also use fans.

If you have carpet in your basement, it will take several days before it dries completely. You may need to call a professional to assist with carpet replacement if the damage is too severe.

After the flood, which part of your house should you check first? Probably, it’s your unfinished basement. Your gutter may have been clogged causing the water to flow toward your house rather than going outside. There are things you need to do to ensure proper cleaning. This infographic will help you choose the proper equipment and the right process of cleaning.