Dealing With a Wet Basement

So how does one deal with a wet basement? Well the first thing is finding out the cause of the leakage. Is it some old plumbing that needs to be fixed, or does one simply make a habit of hanging wet clothes in the basement? Once the problem is identified then steps can be taken to fix it, after drying out the basement of course. Depending on the amount of water it may be necessary to use a pump to remove the majority of it. The remainder can then be mopped out and fans used to air dry any remaining moisture. If one isn’t sure that they can do this then consider hiring a contractor. It might cost a bit but it’s better than having black mold sprouting everywhere. Once that’s done it’s time to pay attention to the following:

• Why are clothes being dried inside? In some cases people may not have an option but clothes really should be hung up outside. Keeping them inside merely increases the humidity of the entire basement. Not only does that leave clothes not smelling their best but it also means that one has a basement full of water vapor with nowhere to go.

• If one absolutely has no choice and must dry clothes in the basement, consider getting a dehumidifier. This will remove the excess water vapor hanging around in the air. Don’t think of it as added expense. Think of it as something that’s saving the money one would have to spend to replace the drywall should black mold take hold.

• If there is a major problem with groundwater getting in, don’t just rely on a quick fix. It may seem the cheapest option, but it won’t last and one will just have to keep doing the same thing over and over again. It is better to consult a water damage contractor and determine if anything permanent can be done.

A wet basement can lead to all sorts of problems. At best one can expect the entire home to eventually have that musky, reeking odor. At worst one can expect to have to do a lot of costly repairs to maintain the structural integrity of the home. The best way of dealing with a wet basement is taking all possible steps in order to prevent it from happening in the first place. Things like putting in French drains may seem costly and intrusive but it will save a lot of time and effort in the long run.

  • Frequently Asked Questions about Water Damage and Flooding Disasters

    Does Hurricane Insurance Cover Flooding

    Hurricane coverage will often cover water damage that is a direct result of the peril of the water damage that enters the home, driven by wind, or other entry points. Many insurance companies, provide exclusions for secondary flooding (rivers, water swells that result from heavy rains with hurricanes.

    How Quickly Will Black Mold from Water Damage in Florida?

    The rate of black mold growth will vary depending on the exposed surface and moisture exposure. Generally properties in Florida experience faster mold growth due to the high levels of humidity.

    Does My Insurance Company Cover Water Damage From Sprinkler Outdoor Systems

    Broken sprinkler lines are a leading cause of water damage disasters. These types of water losses are generally covered by insurance coverage, but your exact policy language will dictate your coverage eligility.

    What is meant by urgency to start mitigation to prevent secondary damage?

    Most property insurance companies have specific language in their policy that require property owners to work quickly to mitigate their water damage in an effort to prevent additional secondary damage (water damage, mold growth, structural issues.