Flooded Basement Cleanup Tips in Detroit

We see it happen time and time again in Michigan. Spring showers hit our state and families wake up to the horror of basement floods during heavy rain. There’s not much of a worse feeling.

Nevertheless, there’s no time for moping around when you need to find wet basement solutions as fast as possible. A wet basement carpet and flood damage can lead to various issues for both the health of your house and the health of yourself.

Before we get into the process of a basement flood cleanup, let’s first look at the typical causes of a leaky basement and what you can do that prevent it.

Basement Flooding Prevention for Metro Detroit Homeowners

While many people think water problems in your basement are caused by mother nature, there are several factors in your home that could directly lead to water damage. Having a thorough basement waterproofing system goes a long way in never having to call a restoration service.

In order to prevent basement flooding, you have to make sure all these systems are in good condition and operational:

• Sealing: Without proper sealing around your basement and house, any water that gathers around the sides of your house will start leaking in.
• Weeping Tile and Downspouts: Weeping tile and downspouts are both drainage systems that surround a house and push the water away from the foundation. If either one was improperly installed or damaged, water will begin to pool up along the sides of your home and begin to seep in.
• Gutter Debris: There’s a similar theme here, but if your gutters are clogged with branches and leaves, water will not be able to properly drain. Once it becomes overflowed, the water goes down the side of your house and, you guessed it, starts pooling up on the sides of your home.
• Pipes, Sump Pump and Hot Water Tank: If any one of these items are damaged or broken, it can lead to a basement flood. These should all be inspected annually to ensure the equipment and functionality is up to date.

Basement Flooding Repair

Hopefully by following our prevention tips, you will never have to follow this water damage restoration process for your Michigan home. Still, life is full of surprises and it’s better to know what to do rather than let the problem get out of control.

Letting basement water sit will lead to foundation repair and a whole list of other costs. By acting quickly, you can save yourself time and money.

1. Unplug and remove all electronics. The first thing you want to do when you find standing water in your basement is safely remove any electronics in the area. Turning off your breaker box before entering your basement is the safest option. If you happen to be at home as the water rises, quickly unplug any appliances in the affected area. If you’re at all concerned with your safety, make sure to search “wet basement repair near me” and get restoration experts to safely do it for you.
2. Remove any standing water. Letting standing water sit in your basement can lead to major health concerns. It is a breeding ground for microorganisms and oftentimes contains sewage water from septic tanks. If you let the microorganisms become airborne, it can be an extremely toxic environment for everyone in the household. You will most likely need pumps to remove all the water.



3. Dry out your home. Outside of the microorganisms, a wet or moist basement also breeds mold that is dangerous to breathe in. The high humidity is a perfect environment for environmental hazards. Without fast action, your home will be far more susceptible to these dangers. You should also take the time to inspect and remove any drywall, insulation or ceilings that have come in contact with water. Renting an air dryer or dehumidifier will speed up this process immensely.
4. Get rid of wet, damp and contaminated items. It can be hard to let go of certain belongings, but we know from experience that it’s the best choice to make. If an item is still wet or damp after 48 hours of the flood, it is safe to say it’s permanently damaged. Carpets should always be thrown out, while bedding and area rugs can often be safe with a thorough clean.
5. Be careful when using cleaners and disinfectants. The types of cleaning materials necessary for a flooded basement can be extremely harmful to come in contact with. Use gloves and a mask while you are disinfecting. We also recommend using steam cleaners as it will speed up the process by a couple of days and eliminates all sources of contamination.
6. Purchase an air purifier. Even after taking all the necessary steps, you don’t want to live in a house that is still slightly contaminated. Purchasing an air purifier for during and after the cleanup process is a good safety measure to take.

Detroit Homeowner Executive Summary

The headaches of a flooded basement are nothing compared to what will happen if it is not properly repaired in a timely manner. Ensuring the structure and livability of your home is safe is the only objective in a circumstance like this.

If you don’t believe you can do a proper job, don’t be afraid to call your local water damage restoration experts. They will perform an efficient and thorough cleanup, so you don’t have to worry about any future issues. Stay dry this rainy season!