A flooded basement can be devastating and the cause to a loss of many vital items. A vast majority of people use their basements as storage space for seasonal items, paperwork and other items that have lost a place in the main living areas. When the flooding happens, you can contact a specialist or you can do the cleanup on your own. Doing the work yourself may be quicker than waiting for help. It is a lot of work, but not that hard to complete.
First and foremost you will need to find out what caused the flooding. Check for any open windows and if there are visible floor drains check for blockage. In most cases it occurs from a drain being backed up or possible from water seeping in from outside flooding. To remove the water using a dry wet vacuum soak up as much of the water as possible.
After cleaning up all liquid, sort the boxes and remove anything you can salvage. Dry the items removed from the cardboard boxes and place them in a plastic tub with a lid. The plastic will protect the items should the flooding happen in the future. Do not place wet items in the storage containers as they will mold .
Since you are already in the basement now would be a excellent time to do some much needed cleaning. With a Dyson upright vacuum cleaner and attachments remove all cobwebs out of corners and from the ceiling. Wash all windows with a vinegar and water solution to prevent future buildup of dust.
Do not plug any cords into outlets that were affected by the water. If the floors still have dampness to them use a delonghi space heater directed at the floor or walls to thoroughly dry. Removing any moisture will prevent mold from forming in hidden areas.
When all areas are clean and dry apply a excellent quality water proofing paint on all exposed walls to prevent moisture from seeping in and causing the walls to weaken. Once the paint is dry place all plastic cartons back in the area. Stack them up away from areas that may produce possible hurt.
If you learned the flooding occurred due to a backed up drain or a terrible sump pump, call a plumber to inspect and repair the problem to avoid another flood. If this is the situation you should wait to place any items back in the basement until the problem is addressed.
