The Who, What, When, Where and Why of Basement Flooding

10/30/2019 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Overland Park, KS

The Who, What, When, Where and Why of Basement Flooding

Flooding is a phenomenon that can humble a homeowner in Overland Park, KS. The power of water is always intimidating to face. Take it slow and assess your situation before moving forward.

Why Is It Flooded?

A basement flood can come from a lot of different places. Oftentimes those sources are out of your control. If the flood is weather related, you will need to wait until the storm has passed and your yard is no longer flooded before you can do anything about your basement. Some common examples of sources of flooding are:

• Heavy rain or storm
  
• Pipe rupture
  
• Appliance malfunction
  
• Improper basement sealing
  
  

What Can You Do?

The first thing you should take care of is stopping the flow of water, if possible, by turning off the main water line. Then you can minimize the hazard to your safety by turning off the electricity and wearing protective gear like boots and gloves. You can rent submersible pumps from hardware or construction stores to get all the water out of there. Be sure to point the loose end of the pump away from the house, preferably into a storm drain. Then you will need thoroughly dry everything so that you don't end up growing mold, as well.

Who Should You Call?

If you don't have any experience with pumps, it's probably a good idea to call a professional water damage remediation company. They have specialized knowledge and tools to thoroughly remove all signs that there was a flood. They can handle every aspect of the situation, including pipe repair. They will also know exactly what will need to be thrown away, and what can be restored. You should also call your insurance to find out if they will cover the costs.
Each and every flooding scenario is different, depending on the circumstances of its origin and the capabilities of your household. Exercise precaution and don't make any hasty decisions. Your basement is counting on you!