Basement floods are common in Australia. Flooded basement water removal is not easy. If done incorrectly, it causes severe damage to your home. You must act quickly before mould begins to grow and exacerbates the problem. Basement flooding can damage your belongings and pose several health hazards and risks.
Common Causes of Basement Flooding
- Heavy rainfall or snowstorms
- Close proximity to a natural stream or water body
- Appliance failure or malfunction. e.g., refrigerator, washing machine, etc.
- Leaky pipes
- Cracks in your house’s walls
- Sump pump damage
- Sewer system malfunction
Steps to Minimise the Damage to your Home During a Basement Flooding
Step 1: Turn off the power
One of the first steps that you must take before going to the basement for water removal is to cut off the power. You can locate the main breaker to cut off the supply. If you happen to turn off the electricity, the next step that you can take is to unplug all the power cords from the sockets. If you can’t find a way to turn off the electricity, it is best to call a professional electrician.
Step 2: Locate and Eliminate the Source of the Flooding
Once you have reached the basement, the next step you should take is to find the source of flooding and stop it at the source itself to prevent further flooding and water damage to the upper floors.
Step 3: Drain the Water
The next and most crucial step is to remove the standing water from the basement. Before doing this, you should wear protective gear as the water may be black water or grey water, which may cause health issues. You can start with flooded basement water removal with a basic mop and bucket or even a wet vacuum. If the sump pump is functioning properly, you can use it to drain water. However, if the level of water in the basement is two feet or more, you will need a professional water damage cleanup in Melbourne. You can also use a large dehumidifier, which will also help to remove water faster.
Step 4: Take Out any Wet Items
Once the basement water is removed, you should assess the items that have been damaged by flood water. Some of these may be the carpet, rug, furniture, etc. You should try and remove these items and dry them, if possible. Dehumidifiers and large industrial drying fans can be used to dry wet items quickly. If you feel that the damage caused to the items is too much, you should seek assistance from a specialist immediately.
Step 5: Drying the Affected Area
Basements usually don’t have ventilation. Hence, it is vulnerable to mould growth. Once the water from the basement has been removed, you should try and keep it dry by using blowers, large fans, dehumidifiers, etc. If the basement does not dry within 48 hours, mould occurrences are likely to happen.
Flooded basement water removal is extremely stressful and overwhelming, especially if the source is contaminated water from the sewer. A professional flooded basement cleanup in Melbourne is the best thing to do if the situation is difficult to handle.
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