3 Rules of Thumb to Follow After a Basement Flood

12/30/2020 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Lake Point, TX

Three Rules To Proper Flood Clean- Up

After a basement flood in Lake Point, TX, many homeowners feel stuck. You may not know what to do next if you have never experienced a home flood before. Whether the flooding was caused by extreme weather or by a burst pipe, the following three rules should always be followed when it comes to proper flood clean-up.

1. Never Walk Into Standing Water
Following a significant flooding event in your basement, there may be an inch or more of water just sitting on the floor. While you may wish to walk into the space to examine the damage, it is never a good idea to step into standing water without taking the proper precautions. Before a thorough inspection is performed, there is always the risk of electrocution. Consider hiring a residential water restoration professional to inspect the basement for safety hazards. If you choose to walk through the floodwaters, always wear rubber waders to neutralize any electrical charges.

2. Don't Try to Save Appliances
As you sort through damaged materials after a flood, you may wish to save as many of your home goods as possible. It can be tempting to try to salvage electrical or gas appliances after a basement flood, but these fixtures are better suited for replacement. In some cases, your home insurance coverage may pay for the cost of replacement. Don't risk a mechanical or electrical malfunction; always throw-out these common pieces of equipment post-flood:

• Washers and dryers
  
• Ovens and ranges
  
• Dishwashers
  
• Electrical outlets
  
• Light switches
  
• Electrical wiring
  
  

3. Find and Fix the Cause
After the basement cleanup has begun, take the time to figure out what flooded your basement in the first place. There is nothing more frustrating than cleaning up and repairing a flooded basement, only to have the same issue occur again. A basement flood may feel like a nuisance, but safe and complete restoration can be achieved by following these three basic tips.