What To Do If Your Basement Floods

water damage cleanup des moinesFlooding in your basement can be caused by a variety of things. Bad weather coming in through cracked window wells, a tub overflowing, sewage backup, or a pump malfunctioning can all cause flooding to occur. Standing water in your home can not only severely damage your carpets, walls, and possessions, but it is also dangerous to try to handle it by yourself. Here are a few things you should know when it comes to dealing with flooding.

Standing Water In Your Home Can Carry Dangerous Bacteria Or Chemicals

The different sources that can lead to flooding also carry different dangers along with them. If a bathtub or sink overflows, that water is usually clean. However, if an appliance such as a washing machine breaks and leads to flooding, that water could be filled with chemicals that you likely do not want to come in contact with. If the flooding comes from any type of sewage waste, the water is probably filled with dangerous bacteria that could make you sick if you come in contact with or ingest it in any way. When dealing with flooding, it is best to call for a restoration service to come and test the water to ensure it is clean and not filled with anything dangerous before you attempt to go into it and clean it up.

Electric Currents Could Be Running Through The Contaminated Water

You probably have things plugged into the wall throughout your basement. When flooding occurs, and water rises, anything plugged in might cause electric currents to run through it. Likewise, if the water level reaches the outlets in the walls, it also is probably filled with electric currents. You must not come in contact with the water until it has been tested and deemed safe so that you do not face the risk of electric shock, injury, and even death. To be safe, you can turn off the electricity to your house to help prevent this.

Turn Off The Water

If you can identify the source of the flooding and safely turn it off, you can prevent further worsening damage. This may seem like a no-brainer, but it is still important to remember. You should only attempt this if it is safe for you to reach the source. You might also want to turn off the water to your house also to stop the flooding.

Call The Professionals To Help You Clean Up The Water Damage

The damage that comes with water damage can be devastating. Time is of the essence when it comes to cleaning up because the longer the water sits there, the more likely mold will grow. Instead of trying to pump the water out on your own, call the professionals to bring their equipment and repair the damage. That is the best way to ensure that the cleanup is done completely.

Water Damage Cleanup—Des Moines, Iowa

If you are facing flooding or any other kind of water damage in your home, call Restoration 1 of Des Moines to clean up the damage for you. You can have peace of mind that your home is safe and restored completely.