If you’ve walked into your basement and notice that it’s damp, wet, or flooded, that’s typically a sign that something is leaking in your basement.
The walls might have moisture, the ground could have puddles, or worse, it could be flooded. These are all warnings of a bigger problem.
Basements aren’t meant to stay wet because this can lead to other foundational problems. Mold and mildew can grow in your home if the water isn’t removed. To keep this room and your entire home comfortable and free from further water damages, dry out the basement.
Air Out The Room
Start drying out the room by airing it out. This includes opening up any windows available, vents, and doors that lead in and out of the room. You want the fresh air that comes through these channels to dry out the room.
Right now, the room is full of moisture. By filtering the humid air out and allowing new airflow to come into the basement, you are cycling the old air with the new.
If your basement has been wet for some time, it could already have mold (this might not be visible at this time). Be careful when entering the room as there could be mold spores. Wear protective gear to cover your mouth so you aren’t breathing in any of these spores or possible unhealthy odors.
Look For Dangers in the Room
An empty basement could be safe to enter and start the water cleanup and drying processes. However, if there is equipment, visible electrical wiring, or other potential hazards, these could make entering the room unsafe. Water and electricity don’t mix.
If you notice or know of any potential hazards in the room, remove those first. If there are visible wires or electrical ports that could have been affected by the moisture in the room, then it’s best to turn the electricity off for the time being as you are moving about the room.
Find the Source of the Water
Easier said than done. The source of the water could be anywhere, or it could be in one specific spot.
Search the basement for leaks, broken seals in the corners or windows, and leaking pipes. Sometimes, it could be a leak from the ceiling that’s entering the room. Check all parts of the basement for areas where it seems like there is more moisture or water.
If you notice a massive puddle in a particular part of the room, it could be that the source is close to the puddle. However, if it’s not so easy to discover where the source of the water is coming from, it’s best to find a local water damage expert for an inspection.
Absorb and Remove the Water
Once you know that the room is safe and you’re allowing the air to cycle out, it’s time to remove the water. There are many ways to do this, but the most common is to take towels, blankets, sponges, and other materials to absorb the water and remove it.
Those are strategies for smaller water damage projects. If you have a flooded basement, use buckets or extraction equipment to remove the body of water. Once the majority of the water has been removed, move onto absorbing the water with the previously mentioned tips.
Use an Air Mover
Air movers are similar to fans in functionality, however, they are more focused on circulating air in specific areas. Air movers are commonly used for drying out dampened areas. This particular piece of equipment is best known for dealing with water-damaged areas and is labeled as a piece of water damage restoration equipment.
The air mover sits directly on the ground, pulling the moisture out from the floor or carpet and removing it from the area. There are ways to direct the air outside of the house using ducting equipment.
Purchase a Dehumidifier
If a humidifier produces moisture in the air, a dehumidifier dries out the air. A dehumidifier will reduce the humidity in the home and reduce odors along with preventing allergens and mold. If you find that your basement receives a lot of moisture throughout the year, this will be a go-to purchase for your home.
After Water Removal
Once the water has been removed from the basement, it’s a good idea to hire a water damage expert to inspect the area to ensure no other damages have affected the house. Restoration may be needed based on the type of water damages to the home.
The inspector will check the living space for mold, the source of the water, and all other damages made to the home.
If you’re in Northern Colorado searching for a water damage restoration expert to remove water from your basement or you just need an inspection, contact 970 Services. We’re skilled water damage experts and can repair and restore your home to the way it was! Contact us today to schedule a free inspection.