Water In the Basement: Causes and Solutions for Flooded Basements

A basement flood can cause irreparable damage to not only a home and the items within it, but the space that is left behind. Learn how to safely repair and restore a flooded basement with these tips.

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By: Caroline Shannon-Karasik

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When you've got a flooded basement, don't panic. There are very specific steps you can take to remove the water and return the space to its pre-flood state.

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Once the source of the flooding has stopped or the water source has been turned off, turn off all power sources by switching off the main breaker. Do this before entering, any time there's water in the basement.

Use a pump to remove the water. After the water has been drained, remove everything from the flooded basement and allow it to dry, or discard it. Rip up and throw away all carpet affected by the water.

All surfaces should be washed with an antibacterial cleaning solution. Positioning a large fan within the basement will also help the drying process. Once the area is cleaned, it is important to take the necessary steps to waterproof and seal the space from future flooding.

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