Water in your Basement
Flooding in your Tulsa basement is a major headache. Fortunately, there are steps you can take both to get your basement back to normal and to prevent a flood in the future.
Remediating a Basement Flood
The first thing to do when dealing with a flooded basement is to cut off all power, both gas and electricity, in the area. If you are unsure how to do this, call a professional. If a broken pipe is responsible for the water damage, turn off the water. If a storm caused the flooding, wait for the weather to clear before beginning the cleanup process. When it is safe to do so, begin extracting the water. The following tools are likely to be helpful:
Pumps
Wet/dry vacuums
Buckets
After the standing water has been removed, use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the remaining moisture. If the weather is clear, move wet items outdoors to dry. Pull up damaged carpeting. Even though the power is off, do not touch items that use power as they may still carry an electrical charge. Have a professional inspect these objects. Sanitize all affected surfaces and wait for the room to dry before starting pipe repair and other projects.
Preventing a Basement Flood
An experienced restoration service can get your basement back to pre-loss condition, and it is a good idea to make some changes yourself to prevent future water damage. Install a sump pump and make sure to maintain it properly. Repair cracks in the foundation. Apply a waterproof sealant to basement walls. Keep gutters clean and make sure downspouts are angled away from your home. Have your lawn graded so that water flows away from the foundation.
Flooding is a common occurrence in basements throughout the United States. Fortunately, it is possible to clean up the damage thoroughly and to prevent future water damage events.