Basement Flooding
Basement flooding is now being recognized as a potentially serious problem. It is a common occurrence in many parts of Canada. Canadians recently come across heavy downpour in GTA and floods in Alberta, which eventually led to flooding of hundreds of houses. Many types of basement flooding can be avoided by taking these simple practical steps.
If basement flooding is not prevented, then there can be many negative consequences associated with it thereby disrupting regular household routine. Following can be the impacts of basement flooding.
• Wet basements can lead to health issues like respiratory problems which is a potential danger to health.
• Long-term damage to the building and equipment that may not be covered by insurance thereby increase in insurance rates in case of repeated flooding.
And finally, depreciation of property value.
Keeping in mind the above mentioned consequences, it becomes necessary to know the causes of basement flooding.
Why do Basements Flood?
Basements can flood due to number of reasons. Normally, water enters basements during heavy downpour or when snow is melting rapidly during a spring thaw.
Basement flooding may also occur because of:
- a leak or crack in your home’s basement walls;
- poor lot drainage;
- Plugged downspouts.
- a blocked connection between your home and the main sewer in the street;
- a back-up of waste water in the sewer system (or a combination of waste water and rainwater from the sanitary or combined sewer system); and
What to do if the basement is flooded?
If there is water in your basement, make sure that there are no electric wires in the flooded area. Remove any other electric devices from that area if it can be removed. In case there is standing water (flooding) in your basement, disconnect the main electrical switch or call your local fire department to do it for you. If you are in doubt about the electrical safety of your basement, then don’t touch anything. You don’t want to be electrocuted.
Get the basement dry as soon as possible. Use Wet-Dry vacuum to suck up the water and get some extra de-humidifiers running. Industrial strength de-humidifier can easily be rented from a restoration company for $100 – 200 a week. Also, add a few fans to keep the air circulating. If the basement is dried quickly, the likelihood of mold formation is lowered. Usually, if the basement is dry in 3 to 4 days, there is less likelihood of mould formation.
In case you get mold growth, DO NOT use bleach to clean or kill it. You can get much more cheap and effective fungicide in stores. Spray them in affected areas. This will stop the growth of mold. And if the mold growth is much, then don’t go for cheap means to get rid of it. Get professional help to get your basement fixed.
Another most important thing, talk to your home insurance company and increase the insurance for water damage. It will increase the premium a few bucks, but you will be safe in case your basement gets flooded.