The most common “first aid kit” homeowners can use against flooding comes in the form of a sump pump. By definition, these pumps act as an insurance policy and can be installed in the basement or crawlspace.
If it so happens that groundwater begins to collect, it will trigger the sensor on the pump, which will start pumping out water. As such, homeowners may be able to avoid further damage; the pump will quickly drain the water and ensure it doesn’t go into the foundation or near any valuables stored in the basement.
As with everything in life, however, sump pumps are not without fault. Even though they are a relatively affordable water mitigation system, they can break down at the worst moment possible. Damage, in that case, could be unavoidable, and if you’re not careful, so could mold.
There’s a Good Reason Your Sump Pump Has Failed
We would all like to believe that a sump pump is the only insurance we need against flooding. However, if we live in a particularly rainy area, the pump is likely working overtime to prevent any water from reaching the foundation and the basement walls. Thus, it may break down at some point, giving easy access to rainwater, which will then leak through the walls and the foundation and cause serious cracks in the cement.
Time is of the essence when this happens, as the water will first go to the lowest parts of the basement and gradually rise. Therefore, to prevent any further damage, we have to DIY our way through the flood.
Tips on Handling Water Damage Due to a Failed Sump Pump
In case the flood is small, i.e., we have caught it on time, we can start remedying the situation by removing any valuables and furniture from the basement first. If possible, we ought to remove them entirely from the basement. If not, we can move them to the areas that haven’t been flooded.
We have to dry the basement fast to prevent any mold growth and further water damage. However, before doing that, we must get rid of the excess water.
If there isn’t much of it, we can simply use a mop or some towels. Alternatively, we can get our hands on a basement water pump. In fact, this pump is an excellent investment overall, as it can continuously run when there’s a lot of rain and utilize a garden hose to eliminate any pooling water. Most models can even work in low water. In case the water levels are too low, though, the pump will simply shut itself off.
To prevent mold and other types of damage, we have to remove moisture from the basement as well. That can be done with the help of a dehumidifier and some fans.
Once the basement is dry, we can call a plumber to deal with our sump pump. If we live in a rainy area, it’s crucial to get it fixed as soon as possible. Otherwise, we might have to repeat the process any day now!
Keep in mind, though, that other households might encounter similar concerns. Thus, we may have to wait a while for the plumber to get back to us.
Get Professional Help If There’s a Bigger Flood
If it so happens that the flood is more than we can actually handle, there’s no reason to wait around. We can always call up a professional water damage restoration company whose team will pump out the water fast, remove any valuables from the basement, and get rid of any damaged materials (like drywall) to prevent further damage and mold growth.
On top of that, these companies utilize special equipment to measure the moisture. Thus, they’ll be able to pinpoint the moisture levels and use commercial dehumidifiers and fans to remove any traces of it. If the basement has carpet too, they’ll remove it and dry it thoroughly.
Call Mold Solutions Now
Moisture, humidity, and darkness are the three main “ingredients” needed for mold growth — and all three can be found in a basement. Therefore, once you manage the flood, remember to give Mold Solutions a call right away.
