A flooded basement is always an unwanted disaster. If the basement has been finished into a living area in your home, it makes a bad situation worse.
Water intrusion in your home can come from a variety of sources, including a pipe burst, heavy rains, a faulty appliance or even a sewage backup (gross). Water damage is one of the most common and destructive problems faced by homeowners and since the basement sits lower than the other livable spaces in your home, it is more susceptible to water damage.
Not My Star Wars Collection!
With water in a finished basement, you’re not only dealing with the damage to your home’s foundation, walls, and floors, but the water also stands a good chance of destroying your furniture and valuable possessions. Health is also a concern because the moisture that has entered your living area and possessions can trigger the growth of mold and other dangerous bacteria.
So, should you clean up your flooded basement yourself? Probably not. It will mostly depend on the amount of water and severity. In general, flooded basements can be dangerous, and the cleanup process is not as easy. Professional water damage restoration companies have the right equipment and experience necessary to clean up, dry and sanitize a flooded basement quickly and safely.
Some restoration companies will also identify structural damage and offer repair services to fully restore the damaged area. This can include walls, baseboards, flooring or even foundation damage.
I Got a Mop!
A water damage restoration businesses uses variety of special equipment to clean up water damage and to restore property to pre-damage condition. This equipment includes powerful pumps, vacuums, disinfectants, and dehumidifiers.
Pumps are used to remove water from a property. Vacuums are used to suck up water and moisture out of the affected area. Disinfectants are used because the water may contain silt, raw sewage, or chemical wastes that can cause a whole range of health problems. Dehumidifiers are used to dry out a property and prevent mold and mildew from growing.
If your furniture has been damaged by water, sometimes it can be salvageable depending on the piece and how long it has been exposed to water. You need to consider the type and source of the water also. Water damage can be classified into three categories: clean water, gray water, and black water.
Clean water is water that comes from a safe source, like a fresh water line or a rain shower.
Gray water is water that’s been used but is still clean, like water from a dishwasher or a washing machine.
Black water is water that’s been contaminated and is unsafe to use, like water from a toilet or a sewage line. If the furniture is damaged beyond repair, you may need make it part of your loss claim.
If you have water damage in your home, don’t delay in calling a professional restoration company. The sooner they begin work the better your chances of saving your home and property.