Steps to take when your basement experiences severe flooding

So here we are, starting to feel alive again! The only drawback with the beautifully mild weather is....well....basement flooding! This happens every year and we want to help you fix this problem permanently. At first glance, a flooded basement may seem like a problem that you will just have to live with. This is not true! We are basement waterproofers with warrantied solutions, that are just a phone call away! 

 

Here are some tips to get you started:

 

Calling In A Certified Professional

Repairs of a flooded basement are best conducted by a professional who specializes in basement waterproofing.

Three Reasons To Call An Expert:

• An expert in the industry can help you recover your damaged items and advise you on restoring your damaged drywall and furniture.
• Depending on the source, water in a flooded basement may contain bacteria or viruses, and it may present an electrical hazard as well.
• Pumping out a severely flooded basement too quickly can sometimes lead to damage to foundation walls

 

Shut Off Any Failed Plumbing

While most flooded basements are caused by heavy rains and groundwater flooding, others are caused by home plumbing failures.

If a pipe, washer hose, water heater, or other pressurized water source fails in your home, it can release hundreds of gallons of water into your basement every hour.

In fact, we've seen water rise so high in a basement that it's coming out of the windows!

In situations where there is a plumbing failure, the first step to solving the problem should be to turn off any failed plumbing. Be very careful to stay high and dry as you do this, as the water be electrified, or contain viruses and bacteria.

Contact A Disaster Restoration Expert

It may seem a bit extreme to think of a "disaster restoration expert" when you need someone to pump out a flooded basement, but these are exactly the people who are best suited to help you take care of your flooded basement.

Disaster restoration experts are pros at drying homes, pumping out water, and making sure that mold and rot are controlled. Have them visit your home within 48 hours to avoid mold growth.

Disaster restoration experts are busiest during heavy rains -- so call them right away to beat the crowds. These companies generally provide 24-hour emergency service, so don't hesitate to contact them as soon as you find a problem. Depending on your area, the local fire company may also be able to available to pump your basement out.

 

Give Us A Call

Here's where we come in! If your home is located in the Greater Ottawa area, we'll be standing by to help you.

We have exclusive access in our service area to a wide variety of award-winning, warrantied products made specifically for basement waterproofing, and we can customize a great system for you.

In our business, when it rains, business tends to pour in. In the same way that we see long lines at good restaurants on weekends and holidays, we're bustling with activity when basements are flooding all over the area. Calling us sooner rather than later is a great idea.

You can count on our trained staff to go above and beyond to help you solve your problem as soon as possible!

 

Rescue Your Personal Property

Where there will be a few things you want to get out of the basement right away, most things can be moved after you've made those two phone calls.

Again, it's important to take care when moving items, as your water could be charged with electricity, and raw sewage or toxic substances may be present in the floodwaters. If you're not sure if this is the case, it's best to be on the safe side.

If you have photos, electronics, or irreplaceable items that have water damage, do not despair! Many disaster restoration companies have ways to restore your property and restore lost computer data. This is one of the key reasons to opt for them over a standard pump-out job from a plumber or fire department.

Since the basement could be humid for a couple days while the drying out process continues, you may want to move out personal items such as photos, documents, and fabrics. They may look fine now, but they could grow mold in the near future. You also may want to get a photographic record of the damage for your insurance company.

 

Notify Your Insurance Company

If your homeowner's insurance policy covers flooding, now is a good time to give them a call. Your agent can talk with you about what options you have for a claim, and they can advise you on what needs to be done when you meet with your contractors.

Some insurance companies will offer protection from flooding, and some will not do so. Additionally, it is important to note that some companies offer coverage for failing plumbing and not floods that come from groundwater flooding.

Even if the flood you see today is small, or you don't feel that a call to your insurance company is necessary, you may want to make a mental note on exactly what kinds of coverage you have, should a larger flood occur later on.