Flooded basements are one of the most common and most costly types of water damage homeowners have to face. So what do you have to be on the lookout for? Here are the three most common causes of a flooded basement.
What Are Three Common Causes of a Flooded Basement?
- Improperly sealed walls. A crack in your foundation, ceilings, or walls can allow water into your basement. This is especially common during heavy storms.
- Appliance failure. A leaky washer or fridge kept in a basement can lead to a flooded basement in no time. It’s a good idea to regularly check on your appliances and make sure the area around them is dry.
- Faulty sump pump. When they’re working correctly, sump pumps should pump water away from your home, particularly during storms. If your sump pump fails, the amount of water can overwhelm sealing on your basement floors and seep into your basement.
When Should I Hire a Professional?
A flooded basement should be completely dried right away. Large amounts of water damage can quickly lead to mold growth, which will compound the amount of damage. Mold can grow in as few as 24 hours, so the faster and more completely your basement is dried, the better. The water in a flooded basement can also be full of bacteria, chemicals, or electrical hazards. A professional team can clean up and sanitize your basement so it is safe to use again.
If your flooded basement was not dried right away, it’s also a good idea to get a mold inspection. Mold inspectors will look for mold in your home using special tools like moisture meters. If they find mold, they can also help you start the mold remediation process, which thoroughly removes mold from your home. Getting rid of mold and water damage proactively prevents it from getting worse!
A Dry Home From the Bottom Up With Green Restoration
At Green Restoration, we can help with your flooded basement. Whether it’s quickly drying the basement, inspecting for mold, or removing existing mold, our expert teams are passionate about making your home a safe place to be. Contact us today.