When your basement floods, it’s always unexpected.

And that’s the problem – you’re not prepared. You don’t have a gas-powered pump on hand. You haven’t moved precious keepsakes and irreplaceable items above ground level. And you likely won’t have a water damage restoration expert on speed dial.

So, while you’re feverishly searching Google for answers, the water is seeping into every nook, hard-to-reach cranny, and porous surface insight. And the longer it sits, the more damage it causes.

Water soaks absorbent materials and soils others, causing rust, bacteria and mould growth, de-laminated plywood, and so on. It causes books and photos to disintegrate, wood to swell and rot, and drywall to warp. And if it’s contaminated, it spreads these particles far and wide.

To prevent further damage and future problems, you need to dry it as quickly and efficiently as possible. Only professional water damage experts can do this properly using industrial-grade air movers, air scrubbers, dehumidifiers, and hardwood dryers.

However, there are some steps you can take for flooded basements drying while you wait for them to arrive.

STEP 1: Safety First

If the flooding is severe, or if the water is contaminated with sewage or debris from storm-related flooding, you need to evacuate the building. Help your children, pets, or elderly family members vacate the premises.

Buy safety gear for yourself or grab what’s available at home. You’ll need rubber or rubber-soled boots, rubber gloves, an apron, safety glasses or goggles, a face mask, and a torch.

Cut the power immediately. If you need to wade through water to do so, call your utility company to cut the power supply to your home. You have no idea what may be lurking beneath the surface, like exposed live wires, sharp or broken objects, or infectious pathogens.

Repeat the process for your home’s water supply.

STEP 2: Pump Out Excess Water

Rent a gasoline-powered water pump. Industrial tool rental groups will usually have pumps and hoses suitable for jobs like yours.

Buy, rent, or borrow a gas-powered water pump from the closest source possible. Remember, time is of the essence! Pump out the excess water into a nearby storm drain.

If the flooding is severe, a residential pump may not be enough. You’ll have to call local water damage specialists ASAP to remove the excess water before it causes more damage!

STEP 3: Remove Belongings

To dry your basement quickly, you need to remove all waterlogged items that are moveable and leave them outside to dry. This prevents excess humidity and moisture from hindering the drying process.

If the floors are carpeted, pull up the carpeting and padding from the tacking strip and take it outside. Elevate it on chairs, ladders, or other objects to help it dry in the sun. You may need to use fans too.

STEP 4: Call In The Cavalry

Call your insurance company to let them know about the flooding. Then, call our water damage specialists at Al-Care DKI. With over 30 years’ experience offering 24/7 emergency services, we will be there ASAP.

We will come armed with industrial-grade water pumps and wet-dry vacuums to pull out the remaining water from the room and waterlogged items. We will also use industrial-strength air movers and dehumidifiers to speed up the drying process by increasing ventilation and removing excess moisture.

Once completely dry, we can begin restoring your basement through construction, repairs, and mould remediation services.

Pro tip: take multiple pictures of the damage while we dry your basement.

Don’t delay; contact us today for immediate, efficient, and affordable water damage restoration services!