Cleaning Up After a Flood | Plumber Arlington
When your basement floods the damage to the home and its foundation can be severe. Cleaning up after a flood, and drying your home out quickly may be the difference between your home’s survival – or not. Other causes of a flooded basement include a plumbing leak, faulty down spouts and leaky foundation walls. A sump pump can provide a solution for routine flooding. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington to schedule installation.
Floodwater
Area flooding can damage your home’s structure, and carries the risk of disease, and the growth of mold. This is due to floodwaters carrying dangerous contaminants and mud.
Even a small amount of water can damage carpeting, drywall, appliances, and furniture. Deeper flooding may add damage ducts, the HVAC system, private sewage and well systems, utilities, and the foundation. Cleaning up after a flood is a time consuming process. The following is a list of common techniques for cleaning up to help you get started:
- Contact your insurance agent. If flood damage is covered, your agent will tell you approximately when to expect an adjuster to contact you. Make a list of damage and take photos or videotape as you clean.
- Safety considerations are an important step before attempting the removal of floodwaters.
Contact the power company for service disconnection, or hire an electrician to ensure it is safe to enter the flooded area. Stepping into water that may be in contact with the electrical system could result in shock or electrocution.
Flood remediation service is ideal, as they are trained in effective removal and clean-up after a flood. Homeowners, who will provide the cleanup themselves, should invest in sturdy rubber boots, rubber gloves, and waterproof pants.
Remove small amounts of floodwater with mops, towels or other absorbent materials. Discard after use. Remove large amounts of water with portable pumps, dipping, or use several garden hose as a siphon to drain.
- Remove mud with a flat-nosed shovel, and a garden sprayer or hose to wash residual mud from hard surfaces.
- Drying out the home is essential for preventing mold. Fans, dehumidifiers, and heaters will speed drying. If the weather allows, open windows to allow fresh air ventilation to assist in drying.
- For homes with wood subflooring, remove vinyl, linoleum, and carpet, allowing the subflooring to dry thoroughly.
- Mold can grow on or inside the walls. Cut the bottom portion of wet drywall, paneling, and plaster away, and at least 12 inches of the area above the wet area. Many experts recommend cutting away a section of the top to create airflow throughout the wall. Allow the wall to remain open with fans blowing directly on the open area to promote drying.
- Discard wet fiberglass or blown-in insulation.
- Remove wet furnishings and place them outside. If furnishings such as upholstered furniture were exposed to river water or sewer overflow they should be discarded. Discard wet mattresses.
- Once the home has dried, cleaning and disinfection can begin. Use disinfectants for all surfaces, and antifungal solutions may prevent mold.
- The electrical system will require inspection, and potential cleaning, and repair by an electrician before use.
- Heating and air conditioning systems and ducts will require inspection and professional cleaning.
Flooding Due to Rain Run-Off
When a sump pump is insufficient for keeping basements and crawlspaces dry from routine flooding due to rain run-off from hills, a French drain may provide a solution. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington can provide the installation you need.
When Plumbing Leaks Cause Flooding
Plumbing leaks can cause substantial damages to a seldom-used basement. When this type of flooding occurs turn off the water and contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for plumbing repair.
Backed-up Sewage
When heavy rains cause sewer back up into your home a backflow preventer valve can prevent it from happening again. Contact a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington for installation.
If your basement has experienced flooding, give a Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington a call. A Benjamin Franklin plumber in Arlington will assess the situation and provide you solutions. Benjamin Franklin Plumbing provides prompt service, a two-year warranty, and your satisfaction guaranteed. We serve Arlington, Fort Worth and the surrounding areas, and are a member of the BBB with an A+ rating.