To save time and protect your home, here is what you need to do as soon as you discover your basement has flooded.

If the source of the water in your basement is a pipe burst or another type of internal complication, your first task is to turn off your home’s water supply. The water will continue to flow the longer it has access to the supply, so cut it off at the source. The good news is that of the three types of water damage your home can experience (clean, grey, and black), this is the least concerning kind. The water from pipes is usually purified and free from contaminants, so you do not have to worry about bacteria, chemicals, or other pollutants that can complicate the cleanup process.

This is the most obvious step, but as soon as you gain some control over the situation, remove items that are in the way. Once they’re safe, work on removing the water. Depending on how much there is, you may be able to do this using a mop or several towels. If you had an incident like a pipe burst in your basement that loosed gallons of water at a very fast pace, you are going to need more advanced technology to extricate the water. That’s where a professional team comes into play. They will have technology like pumps and wet vacuums, as well as the expertise, to help you complete the task efficiently.

Once the standing water has been removed, it’s time to completely dry the area. This won’t just happen on its own. To dry the area quickly, you need to have several industrial-sized fans running around the clock. In cases where the water damage is too expensive to handle on your own, it’s better to call in professionals to set these up. They may also rent them out to homeowners in need. Additionally, to keep your basement mold damage-free, you should have dehumidifiers working diligently while the area is being aired out. Then, if possible, you will need to have ruined items professionally restored either by the company you hired or a third party.

At Restoration 1 of Central Maryland, we are standing by and ready to help mitigate a basement crisis anytime you need us. As a 24/7 home and property restoration company, we know that disaster can strike when you least expect it, and with water, there is no time to waste. If you have a flood in your basement, or any kind of water-related catastrophe, contact us today.