Top 4 Steps To Take When Basement Flooding Happens
Few things are as alarming as heading into your basement only to find that it’s inundated with water. A leaking basement can be an alarming sight to see, especially when you realize that it can lead to mold growth, structural damage, and more. And with some years in Maryland getting an incredible 60 inches or more of rainfall, that water can quickly add up before you know it.
At AA Action Waterproofing, we’ve seen a huge variety of flooded basements and helped homeowners recover from them. If you discover that your basement is flooded, there are a few key steps you should follow.
Don’t panic, and remember the following four things:
1. Save Your Valuables – If you’re like most Marylanders, you probably have a few important boxes stored in your basement. If they’re in the way of the water, you need to get them out. In many cases it’s a good idea to remove valuables even if the water isn’t reaching them – the humidity and moisture can still trigger damage like mold growth to occur. In short, get your things out for now.
2. Dry It Out – Now you’ll need to remove as much water as possible. Hopefully it’s as simple as using a few towels, but in serious cases it may require more power like the use of a pump. Either way, try to dry out the water as best you can.
3. Identify the Source – Now you need to figure out where the water is coming in from. There are some obvious signs that can help, but it’s not always easy. In many cases, homeowners have to turn to the pros just to locate the source of their leak. No matter what, however, finding the source of the leak is important since it could lead to the discovery of additional issues like foundation damage.
4. Waterproof! – Once you know where the water is coming from, the next step is to waterproof the basement. There numerous ways to go about this, and different situations require different types of waterproofing. The experts can help you figure out what your options are, what they’ll cost, and how long they’ll take.
Obviously, taking the initiative to prevent a flooding basement before it happens is preferred. That’s why so many in the Maryland area go through the waterproofing process periodically. But if you’ve missed that opportunity and are facing a leak, keep the four points above in mind and you’ll be able to overcome this temporary issue.
Contact us at AA Action Waterproofing today to get help locating the leak and get started on the path to waterproofing your basement again. It’s a move you won’t regret making.