It is far too common to experience unexpected issues in your house, and it is never an enjoyable event. Even the most stoic homeowner can be thrown into a state of sheer panic and helplessness by the need for flood removal in Utah and anywhere in general. While it is inevitable to over-analyze when your basement floods, try your best to remain calm. 

Here are seven tips on what to do when you experience flooding in your basement. 

1. Turn Off Electricity and Gas

Before anything else, it is important to make sure that there is no running power. This includes gas and electricity. For as long as the power is on, do not enter a flooded area. Unsure how to go about turning the power source off? Call a qualified electrician and ask for help before moving forward. 

2. Move Quickly 

Rainfall is a common enough cause of flooding, but if it’s not the cause, then you should take action immediately. If the flood is caused by rain or stormwater, wait until the extreme weather condition has passed before starting any work. 

3. Wear Protection 

No matter what the source of the floodwater is, wear gloves and boots in order to be protected. A protective mask is also a viable option. If available and applicable to the situation, use chest and hip waders. Moving and walking around the flooded area must be done carefully because it is a slipping hazard. 

4. Find the Source 

To solve the flooding, it is key to know where that’s coming from in the first place. If your basement flood is caused by a leak in your pipes, you should turn off the water. 

5. Remove the Water 

There are several ways to start removing the water from your basement. It largely depends on the amount of floodwater there is in the first place. Some options include a mop and bucket, pool pump, sump pump, or wet/dry vacuum. 

Sump pumps are usually found in the lowest part of a basement. They work by sending water away after flooding occurs in a home. Without them, water can enter the home by coming up through the ground. If this happens, the flooding may not just be relegated to the basement. After most of the water has been taken care of, the rest can be soaked up with a sponge or cloth. 

6. Let Damaged Items Dry

Move any items that are wet and damaged by the flood to an area that is well-ventilated so they can dry properly. Salt Lake City water damage can be quite the problem for many items. Avoid having them air dry in the basement itself, as it is already damp. A sunny area would work best. Giving items 48 hours to thoroughly dry is a good rule of thumb. Wet cardboard boxes can be breeding grounds for bacteria, so don’t even try to save those. Feel free to try and save the contents, but the entirety of the wet cardboard should be thrown away. 

7. Give It Ample Time to Dry

Make sure to work on the ventilation of your basement. Open doors and windows, alongside placing fans around the room to expedite drying time and propagate circulation. 

Conclusion 

Basement flooding is an unavoidable circumstance during extreme weather conditions. There are also accidents that can occur, like busted pipes. It is best to call for professional help, especially if you see mold and if the floodwater is several feet deep. 

Looking to get flood removal assistance in Utah? Contact AAA Restoration today! We are committed to helping our customers get their lives back to normal as quickly and efficiently as possible.