What to Do If Your Basement Floods (Expert Guide)
This is the complete guide to removing water from a flooded basement. It covers:
So, if you want a water-free basement, then you’ll love this guide.
Let’s get started.
How to Flood-Proof Your Basement?
Of course, the best way to remove water from a basement is to stop it getting there in the first place. Follow these tips:
Tank Your Basement
Tanking is where a waterproof barrier is applied to both the inside and outside of your basement. This barrier is usually made from a waterproof coating that fully bonds to your internal and external surfaces. The waterproof surface will effectively turn your basement into a tank, stopping water from entering.
Add Cavity Drainage
Tanking only works to a certain extent and over time the waterproof barrier may break down and your basement could flood. This is why a cavity drainage system can be a great alternative solution. This is where you build a new drainage system within your basement. The drainage system is designed to purposefully flood into an open cavity. Inside the cavity is a sump pump connected to your main drainage system. When it floods, the sump pump will pump the water up and away from your basement.
Clear Gutters and Drains
One of the most common reasons for a flooded basement is blocked gutters and drains. The blocked gutters mean heavy rain can overflow into your garden and the blocked drains mean the standing water has no way to escape. This eventually builds what is called hydrostatic pressure, which means water pressure builds and starts to seep through cracks in your wall. Ensure gutters and drains are frequently cleared and directed away from your home.
How to Remove Water From Your Basement Safely
Before you start plugging in pumps or bucketing water, it’s important that you have the right tools to carry out the job. Ensure you have the following tools available:
Tools needed:
- Towels
- Submersible Pump
- Garden Hose
- Extension Cord (Heavy Duty)
- Rubber Boots
- Generator
Step 1: Ensure All Electrics Are Turned Off
Basic science, I know. But water and electrics do not mix. Make sure your electrics are turned off before entering the basement.
Step 2: Assess the Water Level
Assess the water levels both inside and outside of your home. If you have gallons of water sitting in your garden or driveway, it’s best to wait for this exterior water to recede before clearing your basement. If flooding water is still outside, this will only seep in as you start to remove water from your basement.
Step 3: Set Up Your Pump
This is where the rubber boots come handy. Attach the extension cord to the pump before entering the basement (obviously, ensure this is not attached to the generator until you leave the basement). Now you need to find a place to set the pump. Try to assess the grade of your basement and where you think the water will drain in the end. Once you’ve found the perfect place, attach the garden hose and place the pump.
Step 4: Find a Clear Area to Pump Water
Once the pump is in place, you need to find a clear area to pump water. You want to ensure that the water does not run off into a neighbours property. Ideally, you would want to pump into a river, pond or stream, but you may just need to pump it directly onto your garden. Obviously, try to avoid pumping it close to the source of the water that is flooding your basement.
Step 5: Start the Pump
Plug the extension cord into the pump and start pumping. Keep reviewing the water level as it starts to recede. Do you need to move the pump? Is there a better place to pump in the water? Is the pump at risk of running dry?
Step 6: Clean Up with Towels
Depending on your type of submersible pump, you may need to mop up the last few centimetres of water with some towels or a mop and bucket.
How to Dry a Flooded Basement
Drying a basement is the real battle. The risk of mold growth is real and you should do everything you can to stop it. Here are our tips:
Remove Any Water Damaged Items
The first rule is simple: Remove anything that is porous. Porous items will likely have been saturated in water and while they may look dry, are likely not and will eventually create moist air which will generate mold. This includes items such as:
- Wooden cabinets
- Dry Wall
- Carpets
- Furniture
Anything that looks like it can hold water, generally will.
Disinfect Everything
This is the part that everyone forgets. After you’ve pumped out the water, you should get a mop, water and some bleach - and clean everything. Water can often carry bacteria, which can lead to some nasty infections. Give everything a once over with a mop and sponge to kill any leftover bugs and germs.
Install a Dehumidifier
A dehumidifier will remove the moisture circulating in the air. This will prevent condensation from settling on your walls and creating mold. We recommend leaving the dehumidifier on for at least 48 hours to reduce the amount of water in the air.
Remove the Plasterboard
Plasterboard is porous and will retain water although it looks dry. Remove this down to the wooden frame and let the frame dry. You should then install new plasterboard. If you fail to do this, you will likely have a recurring mold issue.
Reseal Your Concrete
When a basement floods, the water works its way through your concrete and into your walls and floors. Now, there’s not much you can do about this, however, you should ensure that all cracks and openings in your concrete are resealed. If they are not resealed, water will work its way out, lead to condensation and then form mold. A concrete paint-and-sealer combo can be purchased at all major hardware stores.
Call the Professionals
If mold and damp become a recurring issue, you may want to call in a professional. Water will have found a place to hide in your basement and will be slowly evaporating into condensation before then settling on your walls and creating mold. You may need to call in a professional to find the source of the damp, which, for example, water could be in your concrete which may need a more specific drying treatment.
Free Advice
If you’re struggling for advice regarding protecting your garden from flooding, ring our dedicated experts on 0800 112 3134 or 0333 577 3134. We’re open Monday to Friday 07:00 - 17:30 and Saturday 08:30 - 12:30.
