Dealing With Water Damage in Your Hudson County Basement

12/22/2020 (Permalink)

Dealing With Basement Water Damage

Basements are probably some of the most susceptible areas against water damage. In an insurance industry study, almost every home with a basement has experienced water damage at some point. Some of the most common basement water damages are caused by:
Overflowing Roof Gutter – often caused by heavy rain, your roof gutter may have gotten clogged up by the accumulation of leaves, twigs, or other debris. As a result, water that cannot flow properly tends to find its way into your basement through your home's foundation or cracks on the wall. Regular maintenance can help to prevent such problems from occurring when there is bad weather.
Broken Pipes – also known as a common cause of water damage to basements, leaking or burst pipes can be frustrating. Again, regular maintenance or checks can help to prevent this from occurring.
Overflowing Groundwater – while most homes have a drainage system that can help to prevent groundwater flooding, during the rainy season, the groundwater level may end up rising higher than what the drainage system can handle. When this occurs, water may find its way into your basement through cracks in your home's foundation. A curtain drain installation can help to prevent such problems.
Sewage Backup – when the sewer drain is clogged, water cannot pass through, thus causing sewage backup. The wastewater may flow towards your home's direction and enter your basement. Avoid entering the wastewater and reach out to a professional immediately to fix the issue.
If your basement has become flooded, take note of the following:
Turn off your main circuit switch and unplug all your electrical appliances.
Understand the differences between clear water, grey water, and black water before entering the water. Avoid entering blackwater because it contains human waste and potentially harmful chemical substances that may harm you upon skin contact. If the water is clear water or greywater, they are not as dangerous.
Prioritize which items are the most important to salvage
Do not allow your children to play in the floodwater.
Always disinfect after coming into contact with floodwater.
Salvaging your basement from a flood is a time-sensitive situation. Consider reaching out to a reliable, professional service available to respond to emergencies 24/7 to assist you instead of cleaning up the basement on your own, as they are best equipped with the tools and equipment needed to pump out the floodwater and dry out your basement. The faster you can remove the floodwater, the lesser the possibility of mold growth in your basement.
Aside from that, a professional company can also help you navigate your insurance claims quicker by advising you on the documentation required. Be prepared to take photos of the damages and keep a record of the expenses (including receipts) of the restorations and repairs required.

If you require emergency water damage restoration services in Hoboken or Union City, our professionals are available 24/7 at SERVPRO for consultation.