So you just experienced one of the worst thunderstorms you’ve seen in a while. You can see that there’s no extensive damage to your property. Maybe something small got knocked over. But you didn’t have anything like a branch fall on your car or have structural damage to your home. Then you go into the basement and it looks like an indoor swimming pool. What do you do? Call a basement water removal company for help.
Steps to Take After a Flood in Portland
First, you have to get the water out of your basement. If there’s only a couple of inches of water, you might be able to get the job done yourself with a wet vac. However, this scenario is unlikely after a flood. The steps listed below will help you handle an unexpected flood:
Shut Off Power to Your Home
If it’s safe, shut off the power to your home. Wear protective gear to do this, such as rubber boots and gloves. If it’s not safe, call an electrician for help.
Make a Report with Your Insurance Company
Next, if you have flood coverage, call your insurance company and file a report. Through them, you should be able to learn more about your coverage and how to file a claim. The money you get from the company should allow you to pay for damage repair, including basement water removal.
Call a Basement Water Removal Company to Assess the Situation
After that, you should figure out the source of the flood. If it’s a flood caused by a storm, wait for the storm to pass before assessing the damage. However, not all floods result from storms. There’s also a chance that you may have a burst pipe. A basement water removal team can determine the source of the flood for you.
While you should try to remove water from your basement, sometimes this may be too much for one person to do. After assessing the cause, your basement water removal team will begin the water removal process.
Dry Out the Affected Area
Next, you should dry out the basement. Drying your basement serves two purposes. First, it eliminates excess moisture that leads to mold and mildew growth. Mold starts growing within 24 hours of flooding and becomes visible within two weeks. Running multiple dehumidifiers will help dry the area and keep mold and mildew from growing. It’s also essential to clean out and wash the filters in the dehumidifiers weekly. Regular cleaning ensures that they will run efficiently and continue to prevent mold and mildew growth.
The second purpose is to begin the repair process. After a flood, it’s not uncommon to need new walls or floorboards. Having everything dry gives you a better idea of what needs repair. It also cuts down the risk of bacterial growth and exposure.
Clean the Basement
Then, it’s time to clean the basement. Contrary to popular belief, cleaning with bleach alone will not suffice. Bleach doesn’t kill mold. This is another area where hiring a professional helps.
PNW Restoration will clean the area using industry-standard cleaners to remove all mold and mildew from the site. Besides scrubbing mold, removing all water-damaged items from the basement, including furniture and other belongings, is also important. Not only does this help clear the way for cleaning the basement itself, but it helps prevent further mold and mildew growth, containing it to one area as much as possible.
If You Need Basement Water Removal, Call PNW Restoration
No one expects to walk into their basement to see it flooded. But unfortunately, it does happen. When a potential situation like this turns into reality, you need to know who to call for help. PNW Restoration is your go-to resource.
If you recently experienced basement flooding, contact the basement water removal pros at PNW Restoration. We offer 24/7 response in the event of an emergency, such as a flood. We’ll assess the damage and create a removal plan to get your home back to normal quickly. We also have all the equipment you’ll need to handle basement water removal properly.
When you experience the unexpected, don’t tackle it alone. Let the pros at PNW Restoration be there for you and your home. Call us today at (971) 247-3661. We’re here to handle all your basement water removal needs.
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