When a basement becomes filled with water, it is important to remove it as quickly as possible to avoid structural and cosmetic damage to the area. If a Water Damage Restoration service is not readily available to do an assessment and cleanup because the area was hit hard and several people have damage, the homeowner may need to start the process until a specialist arrives.
First, the water will need to be pumped out or taken out of the home manually with the use of buckets. Each person helping to remove water needs to be clothed appropriately with gloves, boots, long-sleeved shirts and pants to avoid bacterial exposure. The water needs to be redirected at a lower level than the foundation so it does not make its way back into the home.
When the bulk of the water is removed, the area needs to be completely dried. Towels can be used to sop up any puddles left behind. Oscillating fans and dehumidifiers should be placed in the basement to help dry the area quickly. The windows and doors should also be left open so there is a cross-ventilation in the room aiding to dry it fast as well.
Carpets may need to be removed in their entirety as they are prone to mold growth inside the fibers, especially if there is a carpet pad underneath. The homeowner also has the option in calling a carpet cleaning service to try to salvage the material. Disintegrated portions of drywall should be cut from the beams and replaced with new sheeting.
When the room is completely dried, it will need to be cleaned in its entirety to remove any mold spores from surfaces water had touched. This is done using a commercial-grade mold removing cleaner or a mixture of bleach and water.
If a person has questions about how to start a Water Damage Restoration project while waiting for a specialist to arrive, they can view a web page like Sitename for more information. A call to a service will also be beneficial in making an appointment for evaluation and to find out what preparations can be done while waiting.
