What You Should Know About Basement Flooding

8/24/2021 (Permalink)

This basement in a home in Smithville, MO, experienced flood damage after recent heavy rains.

What You Should Be Aware Of Regarding Basement Flooding

If you have a basement in Kansas City, MO, you know minor foundation leaks, rain water, and broken pipes can cause flooding. As maddening as it may be, you are not alone. Insurance companies report that home flood waters are the number one disaster reported in America. But that doesn’t help when you are standing in six inches of water on brand new soaking wet carpet. You need answers about where the water came from and how to keep it from happening again.

Finding the Cause

You don’t have to live near a swollen river to find standing water all over the basement. Since water moves from high ground to low, any water source above the basement floor could be the problem. Rain, broken pipes, ground water, or even a forgotten irrigation system can all flood your home with unwanted water. It could also be a broken sump pump or a sewer problem.

Calling for Help

Removing the flooding water is only the beginning of the property clean up. Depending on the amount of water that seeped into the foundation of your home, the walls, and earth surrounding the house, it may take quite a while to restore your home. Additionally, there are three types of flood water, and each has a different method necessary for cleanup. Calling a disaster restoration specialist to identify the basement flood water can save you time and money in repairs. The restoration team can also document the steps taken in restoring your home, which can help prove your claim with the insurance company.

Dealing With Repairs

Contamination and mold spores are common issues after a flood. The restoration team can make sure the area is properly dehumidified, ventilated, and disinfected. Contractors can assess foundation, wall, and flooring damage. The actual repairs may take months.

Flooding water can be as easy to fix as a pipe repair or as difficult deal with as a broken levy. No matter what the cause, knowing who to call for help, and how to protect yourself, can help you deal quickly, and efficiently with the basement flood water in Kansas City, MO.