A Wet Basement Can Seem Like a Nightmare
A wet basement can be a source of frustration for homeowners. Although there are preventative measures that can be taken to help prevent this from occurring, sometimes it is out of your hands. Once the damage is done, there are products that you can use to make the clean up process much easier.
There are many causes for water damage in a basement. Most often this happens when your sump pump fails. If there is heavy rainfall and your pump has either lost power or has failed, the excess ground water can quickly flood your home. Even if there is no rain, groundwater can still build up and cause flooding if you do not have a working pump. Water can also seep through the walls and floor if they are not properly sealed. This process is usually slow but can still leave you with a wet basement.
Nature is not the only cause for unwanted water in your home. Appliances and pipes that are defective or have failed can lead to damage as well. Water heaters are often kept in the basement. When the appliances get older, they start to rust at the bottom of the unit because of the combination of heat and the mineral deposits. If the unit is not repaired or replaced, it can crack and start leaking. If the crack is big enough, the many gallons that the tank holds will quickly end up on your floor. Washing machines can also overflow or leak and the various water pipes in your home can burst.
Much of this damage can be prevented with simple preventative measures and preparation. Check your sump pump regularly to make sure it is turning on. IT is also a good idea to install a battery powered back up pump in the event you main pump fails. Check you water heater for signs of damage like rust or leaks. Have the heater serviced as soon as you notice any problems.
Once the damage has been done and you are left with a wet basement, there are products available to help with the clean up process. If you have a lot of water, you will want to clean it up as soon as possible. Standing water will not only ruin your carpets and drywall, it can also lead to mold damage, which can be hazardous to your health.
For large amounts of water, wet/dry vacuums are very helpful. They can pick up the water which can them be wheeled to a drain or sink. Make sure that you remove the paper filter before using this machine or you will ruin the filter. There are also submersible pumps that you can use that are very efficient in draining water.
Once you have cleaned up the majority of the water, you will want to get rid of the moisture in the air. Dehumidifiers are very good to have in this situation. They remove the excess water from the air and it collects in a bin or drains into a sink or sump pump. You can also use chemical products that will also help to remove moisture from the air and the floor. Sprays are also available to prevent mold growth and to reduce the musty smell.
If you have a wet basement, you are probably frustrated and wanting to clean it up as soon as possible. Quick clean up is key to preventing a mold problem. Check your appliances and your sump pump regularly to insure that they are in good working order.
Clean Drains will help reduce and eliminate costly drainage Vancouver and water damage Vancouver problems by scheduling yearly maintenance at your property.
Clean Drains will help reduce and eliminate costly drainage Vancouver and water damage Vancouver problems by scheduling yearly maintenance at your property.
http://www.cleandrains.ca/
Author Bio: Clean Drains will help reduce and eliminate costly drainage Vancouver and water damage Vancouver problems by scheduling yearly maintenance at your property.
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