This time of the year, there is always a good chance that heavy rains will lead to some amount of basement water seepage or flooding. When the ground can no longer absorb the water, it can seep into your basement, exposing the flaws of your home’s foundation or your property’s grading.

If you do find yourself with a wet or flooded basement, here are some tips to dry out your home and get it back into working order.

Remove Water

First things first, you need to remove the water from your basement as quickly as possible. If it is a small amount of water, some rags will work. Anything more may require buckets, mops, a wet/dry vacuum, or professional assistance from a basement waterproofing company. At Affordable Waterproofing, we offer 24-hour emergency assistance for that kind of problem

Dry the Area

Basements are not the easiest part of a home to dry out. After cleaning up the water, you will need to get air moving in the area. Air circulation and ventilation are absolutely essential for drying the area to prevent further damage and the growth of dangerous mold that can sicken your family. To dry the basement, open all doors and windows (if you have any) and run some fans. This can take several hours or several days, depending on the extent of the seepage / flooding.

Inspect the Damage

Once the water is removed and the area is dry, you’ll need to inspect any and all damage. This includes things like dry wall, carpets, wood trim, closet doors, flooring, furniture, and any items that are stored or kept in the basement. (When storing things in a basement, it’s a good idea to put what can fit into rubber storage containers that will serve as a protective barrier between your stuff and seeping water.) You’ll then need to remove/replace anything that is too damaged from the water.

Clean the Area

After your basement is dry and all damaged items are removed, you will need to clean it thoroughly. Anything that has been exposed to water has the potential to be a breeding ground for mold. While there are many cleaners available at local home improvement stores, many surfaces can be cleaned with simple, homemade solutions involving vinegar or bleach. Making your own cleaners can have a variety of benefits, from cost-savings to the peace of mind in knowing exactly what is being used to clean your house.

Next Steps

After doing all of that work to remove water, dry the basement, clear the damage, and clean all surfaces, it is likely that you will be exhausted – and worried about having to do it all again. Put your mind at ease by having your basement assessed for waterproofing issues by a licensed basement waterproofing professional. There can be many reasons for the seepage or flooding: wall cracks, floor cracks, structural issues, drainage problems, and more. At Affordable Waterproofing, we can fix it all.

Interested in learning more? Contact us today for a free estimate.