There are several reasons for basement water damage happening in your home. The basement was flooded due to busted pipes, melting snow, sewer backup, and more. It’s vital to know the possible dangers involved.
Taking some preventive steps to stop flooding can save you hundreds of dollars in cleanup costs and repairing damaged goods.
When it comes to basement flooding, you might think of a snowstorm or heavy rain. However, water damage can happen at any time of the year, even during the summer months. Flooded basements aren’t just caused by extreme weather.
Broken appliances, bad drainage, and leaky pipes are common causes of water problems that can worsen things with mildew, structural damage, and mold.
To evaluate possible water damage risks, examine your basement for seeping water or moisture indications. Look for water stains, mildew odor, and damp spots. Pay attention to any breaks in the floors or walls since these can serve as entry points for water to come into your basement.
Signs of Basement Water Damage
Knowing the signs of water damage such as musty smells, water stains, or peeling paint is critical for early detection and prevention. Additionally, knowing how to stop water damage by taking care of your basement and using preventive measures can keep you stress-free and save you money in the future. These are some signs that there is water damage in your basement:
Musty smell – Many homes have a unique earthy odor connected with mold and mildew growth. Search for the source of the mold or hire a water damage restoration contractor to perform an inspection to ensure you find the source or sources (there may be more than one).
Mold or mildew – Mold loves moisture. Mold could be due to poor ventilation or trapped humidity.
Efflorescence – When water enters your foundation and dries, it causes a white mineral deposit to develop on the inside of your wall. This is an early warning sign that you have an abundant amount of water coming into your walls and you need to act immediately.
Wet concrete wall or floor – The most noticeable sign of a water problem is a wet wall or a pool of water leaking from a crack, hole, corner joint, or drain. Also, any discoloration on your walls is a typical symptom of water leakage.
You should also check the exterior waterproofing of your residence. Water can get into your basement several ways (from the exterior) including:
- Cracks in the walls
- Cracks in the foundation
- Improperly sealed windows
- Badly installed windows
Water Damage Prevention
To prevent water damage:
- Repair all cracks and holes to stop more structural damage and keep water from seeping inside.
- Make sure water drainage from your gutters and downspouts is away from the home.
- Keep your gutter clean and check that your landscape is helping to move water away from your home and to the closest drain.
- Inspect your basement drain and sump pump. Your basement drain should be clog-free so water flows easily. Your sump pump must always be working for any water in your basement to drain outside and away from your home.
- Repair or replace leaky pipes.
- Get your sewer lines examined and cleaned every 18-24 months to avoid backups. Septic tanks must be pumped out every few years.
- Inspect the basement window wells around your house. These should be extended several inches above ground level and must be dug down well under the window itself.
What to Do If There’s Water in Your Basement
Finding water in your basement can be upsetting, but knowing how to act quickly is key to decreasing damage and guaranteeing everyone’s safety. Here are some pertinent steps to take to navigate this worrying situation:
Keep a cool head: While you might be upset, keeping a cool head is vital to making good decisions.
Wear personal protective equipment (PPE): Before going into your basement, protect yourself by wearing a respirator, gloves, waterproof boots, and clothing.
Take precautions with the electricity: Prioritize safety by cutting off the electricity to the basement. This averts the danger of electrocution and makes the setting safer for any remediation work.
Get professional help: Waste no time in contacting a company that specializes in water damage restoration for Denver homes. Any water damage must be professionally removed to avoid mold and mildew.
Document the damage: Get in touch with your home insurance company to find out what documentation (like photos or videos of the flooded area) is needed to file your claim.
Preventative Steps to Take in the Exterior of Your Home
Safeguarding your property from basement flooding starts with strengthening its external defenses. From snowstorms to relentless rain, external factors play a vital role in establishing whether a basement stays dry or yields to water damage.
- Examine the grading around your property. The ground must slope away from the structure to help water drain away naturally.
- Plant shrubs and trees around your home to help absorb excess water.
- Put in pavement options that soak up water effortlessly.
- Decide if a damaged tile system is letting water enter the ground around your foundation. Repair the perforated pipe near the perimeter of the foundation as the system gets older.
- Make sure that shallow ditches around your home are kept in good condition and free of obstructions.
Preventative Steps to Take in the Interior of Your Home
Preventing water damage isn’t just for your exteriors. You must also deal with possible susceptibilities inside your home to diminish the risk. Here are some preventative measures for inside your home:
- Have your water heater and plumbing inspected annually.
- Always keep your thermostat over 55 degrees.
- During the winter months, leave cabinet doors under the sink open to help avoid frozen pipes.
- Know the condition and location of your property’s sanitary lateral. The sanitary lateral is the pipeline that transports wastewater from your property to the main public sewer line. Get a professional to examine the lateral every five years.
- If you don’t have one, install a sump pump in the basement. Inspect it annually and make sure the sump pump can continue functioning even in a power outage.
- Make every effort to keep your plumbing clog-free. This means not pouring grease down or letting large pieces of food go down the sink or flushing anything other than tissue paper down the toilet.
How a Water Damage Restoration Company Can Help
Restoring your basement after water damage is a huge job, but it doesn’t have to be overwhelming if you know how to deal with it efficiently and safely.
Get help from a professional water damage restoration contractor experienced in basement restoration projects. These experts have the equipment and tools that the typical Denver homeowner doesn’t own and understand what materials are right for every step in the remediation process.
Identify and Stop the Water Damage Source
Identifying and stopping the water source is vital to avoiding more damage. A quick response from water damage restoration professionals can drastically decrease the impact on your home and property.
Remove Basement Water and Dry the Damaged Area
Pumps and vacuums successfully eliminate standing water, followed by fans and dehumidifiers to dry the area completely. Professional water damage restoration companies have the proper tools to get rid of the water from your basement including truck-mounted water extraction equipment. These devices can help restore and clean your furnishings and flooring by eliminating moisture and water from them.
Disinfect and Clean Your Basement
Disinfecting and cleaning your basement are critical to restoring a healthy home for you and your loved ones. This step removes mold and dangerous bacteria, guaranteeing your basement is dry but also safe and clean.
Homeowners are typically not equipped to manage the chaos that comes with basement water seepage or flooding. Water damage restoration companies know how to get the job done correctly. Moreover, these professionals can uncover if water has leaked into the structure of your home.
Repair the Water Damage and Restore the Basement
Examine and repair water damage to the floors and walls. This is a chance to enhance your basement’s resilience like improving waterproofing. These actions are a vital part of water damage restoration, guaranteeing lasting protection and satisfaction.
Identify Mold Problems and Provide Remediation Service
Most water damage situations could develop into serious mold issues. That’s why dealing with water damage even if it is due to a leaky pipe is imperative. Professional remediation services can get rid of mold and follow up with established remediation procedures.
Call Pure Restore for Basement Water Damage Restoration and Repairs
Repairing water damage in your basement necessitates a systematic approach centering fast action, restoration, and safety. By performing their established processes, these professionals not only repair your current water damage but also improve your basement’s resistance against future incidents.
Contact Pure Restore if you ever find yourself in need of comprehensive water damage restoration services. Our team is ready to lead you through the process, delivering solutions customized to your needs.
