Floods are an issue because insurance may not cover flood damage within certain areas, the National Flood Insurance Program will also only cover select areas due to the expensive nature of flood damage.
While basement flooding seems like a normal problem, as it happens to many people, the damage that water and a flooded basement can cause is sometimes unseen and more dangerous than it first appears.
At the same time, it is necessary to note that basement floods can take place due to a burst pipe, issues with a pool pump, problems that take place within the basement walls, and other matters.
It is best to work with a water damage restoration company to remove the excess water, encourage air circulation, and conduct the water removal process to restore flooded basements back to their normal condition.
If you are looking for assistance with basement floods, a disaster restoration specialist at Arizona Restoration Specialists can help.
How Do You Know if your Basement is at Risk of Flooding?
While this problem is most obvious when there is heavy rainfall and you see excessive water accumulation on your basement floor, there are other signs that suggest there is a water problem in your basement that needs to be addressed. Just because you can’t see a problem very clearly doesn’t mean it doesn’t exist.
So, if you notice that the air is damp or you have trouble breathing when you enter your basement, these are signs of septic tank problems. Likewise, if you notice mold forming, know that you need to address this problem immediately. It depends on the weather, but in some areas, a certain amount of water in the basement may be acceptable, but if it reaches the corner of your basement, it is considered a flood.
No amount of water is desirable, as even the smallest amount can cause serious damage, but if it reaches the corner, the situation is even more alarming.
There are different types of flooding, including overland flooding. This can happen anywhere around your home, not just in your basement, and it occurs when water from heavy rain or snow falls.
Another common type of flooding is flash flooding, which is very similar to the first type but occurs only a few minutes after heavy rain. If you don’t have an opening to allow water to drain into your basement, or if you only have a small opening, you will most likely experience this type of flooding until you find a solution to this problem.
While the third type of flooding, but also the most common, occurs when there is a drainage failure that must be addressed by professionals and, most likely, the pumps or tiles will need to be rechecked by plumbers.
Why is basement flooding so dangerous?
There are three aspects to consider when it comes to basement flooding: time, cost, and health. These three aspects are always attacked by this phenomenon. First of all, the financial burden is very high in case of basement flooding, because the flooding is not covered by any insurance. In addition to not being covered, the flooding destroys the belongings and storage that you have in your basement and you will either have to buy new equipment, which has an additional cost or repair the current equipment, which also has a cost in itself.
If you keep, say, important appliances or other equipment that you plan to use later, a flood can destroy everything. Even if the equipment looks like it could be reused, it will most likely be full of very harmful allergens and bacteria. In addition to clothing and other accessories that are usually less valuable, if you keep electronic equipment such as washing machines or dryers, they will most likely lose their functionality or not be the same as they were before, as water damages these systems.
In addition to causing damage to all of your belongings, water pooling in your basement has other negative consequences, as the basement is the foundation of your home. As such, if there are cracks in the foundation, imagine what it can do to the structure of your home.
A simple flood in your basement can jeopardize the safety of your entire home and cause rot. Mold can also damage drywall, carpeting, and other furnishings such as wood or flooring. Another factor it can damage is the insulation in your walls. If you have no idea what this is, it’s a material in your walls that is meant to keep your home warm and noise away, keeping your home warm when it’s cold outside, and keeping the house cool when it’s hot outside.
Financial cost is a very important aspect, but time is another important factor. It takes a long time to repair the damage caused by a flooded basement, and time is money. This is why it is recommended that you take every precaution to avoid a flooded basement, because not only will it drain your pockets, but it will waste a lot of time and there is never a guarantee that you will be able to get things back to their original state.
One thing to consider is that a flood can happen in a matter of minutes, and you can never know what condition you will be in at that time. You may be out of the country or your health may be such that you can’t deal with the problem, which is why the time factor plays an extreme role when it comes to basement flooding. Since you are not able to predict such an event, it is difficult to prevent it immediately, but you should think about it well in advance.
Cost and time are not taken into account when considering the most important aspect that can be seriously affected by basement flooding, which is health. Basement flooding can cause mold, both of which are dangerous. They cause allergic reactions and asthma. For people who already suffer from allergies or respiratory problems, mold and mildew can cause even more serious health problems. Also, if there is electricity in the basement, the water can cause explosions, which can be fatal and life-threatening.
Work with the Arizona Restoration Specialists to Deal with Standing Water Quickly
If you notice issues due to an ineffective floor drain or problematic sump pump, our professionals at Arizona Restoration Specialists are here to help.
Call us today to help you in the aftermath of sewage backup, broken pipes, frozen pipes, and other issues.
