Flood Control: Essential Steps After Water Incursion

If your home is damaged in a flood of any kind, whether it’s an act of nature or a water backup situation, you need to proceed with caution. Water incursion could lead to all manner of issues including:

• Bacteria and germs in the flood waters 
• Electrical risks 
• Mold and mildew
• Serious damage to your home and property 

The most important thing that you can do is prepare yourself by knowing what to do after water has infiltrated your home. 

First, Make Sure It’s Safe 

If your home is flooded, or has been flooded, it may not be safe for you to be in there. The flood waters themselves could be full of contaminants and bacteria, as mentioned. Then, there’s the risk of electrical shock and other hazards, as well as the risk of mold that can be harmful to breathe. 

Only reenter your home when you have been told by a professional that it is safe to do so. Use extreme caution when cleaning up and drying things out. Your first step should be to disconnect all electrical components, appliances, and other items that could pose a risk. 

Get the Water Out 

If the water doesn’t recede on its own, you’ll have to remove it. This should be done slowly and in steps. You can use a sump pump, but make sure that it’s powerful enough to handle the water you’re dealing with. Consider multiple pumps if you have a lot of water to remove. 

You can’t start the cleanup process until the water is gone. Use fans to dry everything out once the water is removed and make sure that you have someone check to ensure that the home is still structurally sound. 

Call for Help

There are a couple of calls that you’ll need to make when you’re dealing with flooding in your home. First, you’ll want to contact your home insurance company to find out what kind of coverage you have to assist with this. Then, you’ll want to call a licensed contractor who’s familiar with plumbing and flooding to come to remediate the situation. 

To prevent future issues, professionals may recommend installing a new sump pump, waterproofing the basement, or performing other mitigation steps. They will also ensure that electrical work is tested and cleared by an electrician and that your home is safe to inhabit before you’re allowed back in. 

Flooding is never easy to deal with, but preparation can definitely help. Contact Elk Grove Village Sewer & Plumbing today!