Whether you live in a region with frequent heavy rains or not, there is still a possibility that your basement will be flooded. And when it does, the basement is the worst part of the house to clean after the calamity. Not only it is a very stressful task to begin with, but the personal belongings destroyed by the flood will give you a major headache.
Fortunately, cleaning the flooded basement will take you three to five days only if you follow the proper steps. In this blog, we will tell you five steps you need to do to clean your flooded basement in no time.
Tools You Will Need to Clean the Flooded Basement
Here is a list of the things you will need to clean your basement and avoid any risks.
- You will need proper protective equipment to keep yourself safe such as a mask, gloves, goggles, and anti-slip rubber boots.
- Any kind of fans and dehumidifiers will help to dry out the objects and the floor faster than natural air drying.
- Get a shop-vac or a dry/wet vacuum to suck up the dirt and excess liquid on the furniture.
What Do I Need to Do First to Clean My Flooded Basement?
The first thing to think about before cleaning the flooded area is to analyze or search for things that you must not do. Taking extra precautions is necessary to avoid further risks and destruction of properties.
You should not enter the flooded basement without first cutting off the area’s electricity. If you’re unsure about your home’s electrical wiring system, hire an electrician to help you with this. Ensure your light source and ask help from someone to guide you or to keep an eye out on your surroundings.
How to Clean a Flooded Basement?
1. Ensure Your Safety
In the basement, switch off the power and gas lines. Make sure to wear your protective equipment before going into the flooded area. Different kinds of bacteria can be found on the floodwater as they might come from a nearby sewage conduit. We don’t want it to get into contact with our skin to avoid any health risks and infection.
2. Record the Phenomenon for Insurance Purposes
Many homeowners either don’t do or don’t know how to do this. However, if your insurance provider has flood coverage or disaster assistance, it will be useful. Documenting the current scenario by taking photos and recording it on video is a good idea. Make sure your proof covers everything including the floor, walls, and ceiling.
3. Remove Wet Furniture and Other Personal Belongings
Clean the items you don’t want to dispose of if it’s still in a good condition. Otherwise, toss them in the trash because you get rid of the toxins and germs that arrive with the floodwater. Anything that is soaked in flood water such as old clothes, Karton boards, furniture, and paper products that got damp in your basement should be removed. Also, remove the sheetrock, carpet, and paneling from the moist basement. Before moving on to the next procedure, make sure that the basement is empty.
4. Disinfect and Sanitize the Area
Spray any suitable cleaning solution to some areas that can manage this substance. The cleaning solution can remove the strong odor and some bacteria. Because you’re working in a poorly ventilated space, be careful when using bleach and other strong cleaning products. You can also use a shop vacuum to remove dirt, debris, and liquid substances.
The best spot to start cleaning is in the most damaged area from the flood. It’s also recommended to begin in the lowest part of the room, where there’s the least amount of water, and work your way up to the larger area.
5. Dry Out the Basement
Use a dehumidifier and a fan to help remove the moisture from the air. Instead of blowing air into the room, position the fans in a way that the air is blown out of the infected area to avoid the growth of molds and mildew. For a dehumidifier to function properly, it’s necessary to cover all doors and windows.
Keep an eye on the holding container of the dehumidifier and empty it as often as needed. Place the dehumidifier in a different part of the basement if it no longer absorbs any moisture from the current position. It could take a few days to completely dry out everything.
If you’re not sure if the drying process is complete, go with your instinct and wait a bit longer to prevent mold growth. Note that molds can grow within two to three days after the area has been soaked with water. It’s a wise idea to spray mold control chemicals. Make sure to check for any mold growth on the floor, walls, and furniture if you’re going to remodel or rebuild the area.
The furnace’s vent should be opened if necessary. This is not required, however, it will help to speed up the drying process. If you have a wood-burning stove that draws a lot of moisture from the air, you don’t need to perform this step.
When you turn on the furnace in the room, it takes the condensate pump to extract moisture from the air. The condensate pump is connected to the furnace’s drain, which is where all the humidity from the furnace drains out.
How Much Does It Cost to Clean a Flooded Basement?
The cost will vary based on how much water entered your basement and how quickly the water can be removed. For minor situations where the flood level is below 12 inches, the repair and cleaning process would cost around $800. For severe cases, cleaning a flooded basement requires the help of professionals. This can cost you $20,000 or more.
How to Avoid Flooding in the Basement in the Future?
Here are the areas you can modify to avoid the struggles of facing this flooding phenomenon:
Sump Pump
Consider having a working sump pump to avoid flooding of the basement. Also, think about having a backup power supply like a generator or wall batteries that can power the sump pump in case of a power outage.
Modify Your Waterproofing System
Make sure that your downspouts are directed away from the house or get flexible downspout extensions to redirect water flow elsewhere.
Recheck Your Basement Vents
Close any crawl spaces and vents in your basement. These spaces allow more moisture into the basement. Humidity, on the other hand, isn’t the only thing that comes through the vents. These vents can direct water into your basement if there is a flood in your neighborhood.
This ends our guide about cleaning a flooded basement. The restoration process might take up to a few weeks to accomplish, but following the proper procedures will keep you more safe and secure.
