Basement Flooding After Heavy Rainfall: What Homeowners Can Do Right Away

It is no fun at all if your basement floods unexpectedly, but it happens sometimes. So, if you are not sure what to do right away, then this blog article is for you. We are going to give you some tips on what is most important. 

Power 

If water reaches the level of outlets, then you need to cut the power to the whole house at the breaker box, if it is safe to do so. We mean if you can access the breaker without walking through water, then do so. Do not wade through water to get there. There is a real risk of electrocuting yourself if water has gotten into your wiring. 

Protect Yourself 

Assume that any water coming into the house is dirty. Since you don’t know where it is coming from, that means wearing boots or waders and gloves. Assume the water is polluted with either sewage or chemicals or both. 

Record Keeping 

Note the time and take some quick photos and/or video for the benefit of your insurance adjuster. 

Pumping 

If you have a sump pump or other type of pump—and it is safe to do so—turn on the pump to move water to the outside. However, you will want to move water, so it flows downhill away from your home. You do not want to move water to just outside the house where your foundation is at risk. 

Safety 

If at any time, you feel unsafe, then leave the house. Your safety should come first. Furnishings can be replaced. 

Obviously, ideally you want to stop the water from coming in. However, in the case of flooding from exterior water, you may not be able to do that. If you have no idea what to do next, and you live on the Lower Mainland, call us, at 604FixLeak (see below). We can help. 

604FixLeak offers leak detection, plumbing repairs and restoration services in the Greater Vancouver area. 

If you have any questions about this article or need some help with a leak in your home or office, call us today at (604) 349-5325.