• Skip to main content
  • Skip to secondary menu
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Xtreme Home Improvement

Xtreme Home Improvement

Call Us Now
  • Home
  • About Us
    • Overview
    • What We Offer
    • Our Mission Statement
    • Property Damage
    • Coverage Area
  • Services
    • Complete List of Services
    • Disaster Restoration Services
    • Fire Damage
    • Mold Remediation
    • Remodeling
    • Storm Damage
    • Water Damage Restoration
    • Biohazard
    • Reconstruction Services
  • Blog
  • Careers
  • Contact Us
  • License Number: PA 079656

What to Do for A Flooded Basement

What to Do for Basement Flooding - XtremeA flooded basement in your home is always unexpected. Unfortunately, what can be expected are the stress and headaches in dealing with the situation. Not only can basement flooding cause damage to your possessions, it can also degrade the structural integrity of your home and foundation due to excess moisture. Basement floods can also pose a safety risk to you and your family if you try to fix the damage yourself. However, you can ease some of the stress you might experience by knowing the proper steps to take:

Make Sure it’s Safe to Go in the flooded basementMake Sure it’s Safe to Go in the Basement

Anytime there is water in the basement, you need to first consider the fact that it may have risen above an electrical outlet and there may be an electrical current running through the water. Regardless of the water source, wear boots and gloves for protection.

Shut Off Utilities

If flooding is severe, turn off both the electricity and gas to ensure the safety of yourself and your family. If flooding is minor, turning the electricity off may not be necessary, but can always be done as an extra precaution.

Prevent Electrocution

Do not use any appliances that require electricity when there is standing water in your home. You can potentially use a wet vacuum to remove the water, but it is advised to first read the vacuum’s instructions thoroughly.

An Xtreme Home Improvement technician removes water from a flooded basementRemove the Water Rapidly

To prevent lasting damage, remove the water from your home immediately. This will also help prevent damage to any belongings in your home. Mopping can remove smaller amounts of excess water in your home, whereas larger amounts of water may require a 24-hour Emergency Response from Water Damage Restoration professionals who can efficiently extract the water.

Circulate Air

During the first 24-48 hours of a flood, it is vital to dry any water in your home. You can begin this process by using fans to circulate the air, as well as opening windows (if weather permits). Once a professional restoration team arrives at your home, the trained technicians will be able to determine how many air movers (i.e., large, powerful fans) and dehumidifiers are needed to properly dry all areas, whether visible or hidden from sight, that have been exposed to the excess water.

Remove Important Belongings and Furniture

Move any important belongings and furniture to a dry location. If left exposed to water, these items may end up with permanent, irreversible damage.

Wipe Down FurnitureWipe Down Furniture

Wipe away excess water from your furniture after you have moved them to a safe location. Open up cabinets and lay out books. You want to make sure you remove all water from your furniture to prevent mold from forming in the future. In cases where a large number of possessions have been exposed to water, professional Contents Restoration companies are available to handle all of this cleaning for you.

Inform Your Insurance Agent

Insurance coverage with respect to water damage varies and depends on certain factors such as the cause of the flooding. Review your homeowners policy and if there are questions, ask your agent. Confirm your coverage limits, deductible amount, and claim procedures.

If you file a claim, the damage will be assessed by an adjuster and Xtreme Home Improvement will work directly with your insurance company representatives throughout the water extraction and repair process to help your claim go as smoothly as possible.

Do Not Throw Anything Out

Do not throw out any damaged belongings because a claim adjuster might need to inspect them. Keeping everything will not only help the claims process go faster, it will also help you receive a compensation amount from your insurance claim that reflects as closely as possible the total cost of your losses.

Xtreme Home Improvement technicians remove carpet from a flooded basementRepair the Damage

It’s important to get the water damage addressed right away to prevent more issues. The longer water damage goes unresolved, the greater the chance it becomes worse. Many common building materials are porous, so they absorb excess water and moisture and will continue to do so. Additionally, within 24 hours of the initial damage, mold growth can occur in response to the water damage. Repairing water damage can be a tough process to go through physically as well as emotionally. Sometimes, water damage can’t practically be done on your own and will require a professional’s expertise. If the do-it-yourself option doesn’t work for you, hire a professional water damage restoration company.

We’re Here To Help

Xtreme Home Improvement provides disaster restoration services for homeowners and businesses throughout Central Pennsylvania. Our water damage restoration services include:
  • Finding the Source of the Flooding
  • Water Extraction
  • Removal and Disposal of Non-Salvageable Material
  • Dry Out and Dehumidify
  • Sanitize and Deodorize
  • Mold Inspection and Remediation
  • Reconstruction

If you walk downstairs in your home only to discover a flooded basement, call us immediately. Let Xtreme Home Improvement give you peace of mind during your emergency.  

Related Articles
Do You Have Water Damage or Flood Damage?
Common Myths About Water Damage Restoration
Water Damage Dry Out is Best Left to the Experts

 

Filed Under: Insurance, Restoration, Water Damage

Xtreme Home Improvement is Central Pennsylvania’s preeminent commercial and residential construction company. We offer a wide range of restoration, renovation and remodeling services.  From fire, water and storm cleanup, mold mitigation and remediation, and biohazard cleanup and removal ... we’re your full-service resource. Learn more.

Primary Sidebar

Categories

  • Events (5)
  • Fire Damage (39)
  • Holidays (5)
  • Home Improvements (37)
  • Insurance (28)
  • Mold Damage (34)
  • News (14)
  • Remediation (27)
  • Remodeling (31)
  • Renovation (35)
  • Restoration (94)
  • Safety (38)
  • Seasonal (45)
  • Services Sidebar (6)
  • Storm Damage (42)
  • Uncategorized (44)
  • Water Damage (50)

Get Help Now

Screened by Alacrity - Xtreme Home Improvement Screened HomeAdvisor Pro - Xtreme Home Improvement Screened by IIRC - Xtreme Home Improvement Screened by Contractor Connection - Xtreme Home Improvement

Home  |   About Xtreme Home Improvement  |   What We Offer  |   Complete List of Services  |   Fire Damage  |   Mold Remediation  |   Remodeling  |   Storm Damage  |   Water Damage  |   Biohazard  |   Blog  |   Careers  |   Contact Us  |   Privacy Policy  |   Facebook  |   Twitter  |   LinkedIn

Copyright © 2023 · Xtreme Home Improvement. All Rights Reserved.