There is no ignoring the great fluctuations in temperatures we’ve been having; in Toronto in September we experienced swings from 41C to 14C! These fluctuations as we move into the late fall and winter months can result in torrential rain, heavy snowfall and quick thaws that can result in basements flooding. Whether the flooding occurred after the water heater malfunctioned or because of severe weather conditions, it’s important to know what you should do after your basement floods. The good news is that help from a reputable contractor will make it easier to recover. Start with these basics and everything should be back to normal soon.
Kill the Power at Once
Before you do anything about your basement, cut off the power supply to the area. Depending on how your home electrical system is set up, it should be possible to shut down the power to the basement while still leaving it on in other parts of the house. GTA basement contractors won’t be able to help until they confirm that the power to the basement has been shut off.
Get Rid of the Water
The water trapped in the basement must be removed. With the power supply off, it’s possible to call local recovery services and arrange for the water to be drained from the space. Leaving the task in the hands of professionals is safer and more efficient. The methods they use will remove more water than you could ever manage on your own with a submersible pump. This is important, since leaving water standing in basements for longer periods increases the risk of additional damage.
Deal with Wet Belongings
Once the water is drained, it’s time to make decisions about everything you had stored in the space. Belongings such as artwork, furniture, and boxes of stored documents will likely be ruined. You may be able to salvage metal tools and wrought iron pieces.
Keep in mind that everything must be removed from the basement in order to be sorted and examined. Attempting to deal with soggy clothing, furniture, or boxes in basements will make it harder to get the job done and prolong the process of recovery.
Get Help Drying Out the Basement
As with the water drainage, you will need professional help with drying out the basement. Many GTA basement contractors have access to equipment like industrial blowers or large fans that will expedite the process.
Remember that it’s not just getting rid of any lingering moisture that would cause odors to develop. You also want to dry the area to minimize the chances of mold developing. Restoring the basement will be difficult enough without adding a mold problem to the mix.
Have the Basement Inspected
GTA basement contractors offer full inspections that will help you identify structural damage, signs of mold, and other issues that need to be corrected. At this point, your main concern is eliminating any problem that makes your basement unsafe or that could begin to create damage to the rest of your home. Once the contractor finishes with the inspection, you can move on to the next phase.
Come Up with a Repair Plan
Establish a schedule for making all the necessary repairs. The contractor will suggest a logical sequence that ensures nothing is overlooked and no time or resources are wasted. At this point, you can also discuss making some enhancements to your basement so it can be used for something other than storage. The contractor will provide a quote and the work will get underway once you approve it.
While a flooded basement is reason enough for distress, the problem can be overcome. With help from a qualified professional, your basement will soon be better than it was before the event occurred.
great tips.
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