Answers to Your Questions About Flooding in the Basement

11/22/2021 (Permalink)

Flooding can lead to mold growth in your New Bern, NC basement.

When water gets into the basement of your home in New Bern, NC, it can cause a lot of trouble for you as a homeowner. In addition to leaving the walls and carpeting stained, even a little bit of flooding creates a place for mold to flourish. The resulting environment is an invitation to insects and rodents. Sitting water can carry bacteria and may absorb chemicals from drywall and carpeting. If water comes into contact with your home's wiring or any electronics, there is a potential for electrocution.

FAQs About Basement Flooding

Water damage in the basement is a big problem and requires a quick response. However, there are several things you can do to prevent a basement flood:

• Keep your rain gutters clean.
• Direct water away from the foundation.
• Install and maintain a sump pump.
• Maintain your plumbing system.
• Repair damage to the foundation.
• Inspect the foundation and basement windows and doors regularly.
  

Home maintenance can be less expensive and more convenient than hiring water damage cleanup and repair professionals.

How Does Water Get in the Basement?

There are many ways for water to get into the basement, and you can't prevent all of them. However, it can be helpful to understand some of the main causes of flooding:

• Leaks at the joints of the foundation and walls, windows, and doors
• Cracks in the foundation
• Malfunctioning sump pump
• Appliance failure
• Sewer backup
• Improperly sloped landscape
• Pressure from rising groundwater
  

If it's possible to identify any of these situations before they cause trouble, it may be possible to avoid water damage from a basement flood.

What Do I Do If There's Water in the Basement?

You don't need to panic when you see water. However, you do need to take immediate action:

• Shut off the power, both electricity, and gas.
• Shut off the water.
• Contact your home insurance provider.
• Use gloves and boots before entering the flooded area.
• Call professionals with experience in cleaning up basement flooding.
  

There's a high risk of causing further damage if you wade into the water. Some of these risks include missing spots of moisture and allowing mold growth, making holes in weakened wood or drywall, and causing damage to water-logged electronics. In most cases, it is better to leave the cleaning up and any repairs to professionals.

Why Get Specialists Involved?

In addition to avoiding more damage, there are several reasons for hiring experienced professionals. Technicians can often quickly determine the cause of the water in the basement. When the cause isn't obvious, professionals can check for cracks and provide pipe repair, find the cause of a faulty water heater, or recognize weaknesses in the foundation.

Almost immediately, technicians will use professional-grade equipment to pump out water. These pros also have heavy-duty fans and other gear that ensure the rapid removal of water and moisture. Once all of the water is gone, technicians clean and sanitize surfaces to prevent mold growth.

If there are furnishings, appliances, and other materials in the basement, professionals may remove some of the heavier or more fragile items. Technicians will also help you determine what can be saved and what must be thrown out.

Flooding in the basement can cause a lot of trouble, but with a quick response and professional help, you can save your New Bern, NC, home.