If your basement is flooding, there are certain things you need to do as soon as possible. The first thing to do is to make sure that water damage is the only result of the flooding.

If there is standing water in your basement immediately disconnect the main electrical switch. Electrocution is possible when water and electricity mix, so be very cautious. If you’re unsure about cutting of the main electrical switch, call your local fire department. They will do it for you.

The next step is to begin to remove the water. During this part make sure to use only double insulated and grounded vacuums. You can use shop-vac to remove the water. You’ll also want to get some extra de-humidifiers running. Keep the windows closed. You want to get the air in your house and in your basement as dry as possible. Dry air draws moisture out of walls and other areas.

Usually if you can get the water out within three or four days you’re ok. There is less chance of mold forming, if the water is removed as soon as possible. The key is to make sure every area of your basement is dried out to prevent mold from forming.

Basement flooding can be a result of excessive rain, or back flow from sink and other drains. If your home is in an area that is prone to flooding, you should have a sump pump installed in your basement. A sump pump will be triggered to come on automatically when the water level reaches a pre-set point. The pump will then remove the water from your basement.

If the flooding is a result of back flow or drain problems you will need to have a plumber install a check valve in your main sewer drain pipe. A check valve allows the water to flow only one way, thus preventing backflow into your basement.

Excel Plumbing is fully equipped to assist you with your sump pump, check valve and other plumbing issues. Contact us today before a plumbing emergency occurs.

This entry was posted on Friday, March 5th, 2010 at 4:23 pm and is filed under Plumbing Services Tips & Advice. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0 feed. You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.