Prevent Heavy Damages and a Flooded Basement

When a heavy rainstorm ends, it can be a busy time for people like insurance adjusters and restoration professionals.  Enough damage can cause serious structural issues that threaten the soundness of your home's foundation.  Before the rain falls, take some easy steps to avoid serious damage to your basement and its contents.

Ensure your Defenses—The Sump

Ben Franklin said, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure."  Not sure if he was talking about sump-pumps, but most homeowners who've reaped the benefits of a sump pump understands the benefit in having a fully functional sump pump all throughout the year. A snowstorm or rainstorm can cause some serious water damage in some basements, but with a sump pump, you will find yourself worrying a whole lot less.

Maintain Your Sump's Condition

Anytime you think your sump pump’s output is spotty, or it may not be working at its highest capacity, you should fix the problem immediately. Things can only worsen; why not have the problem fixed before the next unexpected storm? You’ll only benefit!

A new sump pump may be thousands of dollars, however, this is not nearly as much as the cost of a severely damaged foundation, or ruined, irreplaceable family heirlooms, electronic equipment, power tools, and other valuables.

Any fissures in the basement walls must be sealed with waterproofing materials.  Every basement that is not insulated and waterproofed is vulnerable.  Closely inspect the basement floors and walls.  Again, hiring a professional to close cracks and seal your basement may cost money, but rapidly rising water in your home will always cost more. 

Now is the time to identify problem areas such as faulty sump pumps and leak-prone cracks.  Do it today.

Organize

If your basement isn’t waterproofed, then it’s wise not to store valuables in the basement.  However, if the storage space is necessary and you can’t waterproof the basement just yet, store the items in waterproof containers-- this goes for everything from family photographs to power saws.  Airtight containers will also protect items from mold damage.  Also, remember to keep the containers off the floor at all times.  Another storage option is the attic, which might be better if there’s a known water issue in the basement.

In addition, consider removing carpet from a basement that could be prone to sustaining water damage.  If you do opt for carpet, go with an indoor-outdoor variety, and never use a pad beneath.  Carpet pads in basements are notorious absorbers of unwanted moisture, and will store much difficult-to-remove liquid in the event of a flood. This water is then very difficult to fully dry and thus can become a perfect habitat for mold and smells.

Dealing with Light and Electricity

Always, always, always turn off your electrical power when dealing with a flooded basement.  Flashlights should be stocked with fresh batteries and stored throughout the house.  Place cautionary tape over light switches and stay away from electrical appliances near the affected area.  The power may be on, but the floor is under water—a dangerous mix.  There’s no harm in ventilating, opening windows and doors, but the best option is to contact your local water removal expert and basement waterproofer.

Along with flashlights, portable radios should be ready to go with charged batteries.  In the event of any natural disaster, flashlights and radios are essential to have ready.

A flooded basement can carry contaminated materials and sewage.  As such, it’s smart to always have a backup supply of bottled water in your home, stored in airtight containers, along with foods that require no preparation or refrigeration.  If you must use water from the tap, boil it for over ten minutes before use.  In a flash flood, move to the highest part of your home. 

Even if you have taken all the precautions, flood damage may be inevitable in powerful hurricanes or even fast thaws in the springtime.

Contact Silver River Basement Systems today for more information about basement waterproofing in CO. They’re the local experts who can help prevent water damage and can help keep your basement dry and free from mold.