How to Get Water Out of Basements: A Complete Guide

Coming home to find water in the basement is a homeowner’s nightmare. The ensuing damages, costs, and complexities of dealing with water removal from basement areas is something no one wants to deal with.

However, the situation doesn’t have to be as grim as it seems. With the right help, you can learn how to get water out of basements quickly and effectively. Our helpful guide will set you up for success with everything you need to know to act fast and make the right decisions.

What Causes Basements to Flood?

Basements can flood for a variety of reasons, and unfortunately, it’s an issue that can affect any home and strike unexpectedly. Heavy rainfall can often overwhelm drainage systems and lead to water entering your basement. Depending on your region, melting snow and extreme weather can be another common cause of flooding.

Aside from natural phenomena, there are also human-made issues that can affect your home’s integrity and lead to flooded basements. Problems with gutters, downspouts, and other drainage elements can misdirect water into your basement. You can also face flooding as the result of plumbing issues, from burst pipes to sewage backups. Because these are common occurrences for homeowners everywhere, it’s vital to know how to remove water in basements.

Why Is Water Removal from Basements Crucial?

Water damage to your basement can quickly become very serious — and expensive. In the US alone, flooding causes approximately $17 billion in damage to homes each year.

Knowing how to get water out of basements as fast as possible is crucial because the longer water stands, the more likely mold will develop, and the worse the damage will get. We don’t have to tell you about the consequences of mold — every homeowner knows how serious it can get.. If your ground floor floods, knowing how to get water out of basements fast is vital to preventing mold from becoming a lasting problem in your home.

Porous materials make up most homes, including drywall and wood. The deeper water can penetrate, the more these materials need to be replaced due to issues like mold, which ultimately increases your total repair costs. Any moisture left behind can lead to mold growth weeks or months later, so thorough drying is essential. If mold does start to grow anywhere in your house, knowing how to remove mold is crucial for protecting your home and those in it.

What to Do if Your Basement Floods

Safety always comes first, and there are a few key things to watch for from the outset. Turn off all sources of electricity and gas to prevent further danger. While it can be difficult to figure out how to pump water out of basements without electricity, leaving the power on poses an imminent electrocution risk.

Next, identify the source of the flooding. If it’s the result of heavy rains or rising water, it may be that you can’t yet take effective action. However, if there’s a burst pipe or damaged fixture, turning off your main water line immediately can reduce potential damage.

From there, you’ll want to take a look at the extent of the damage. If your basement is flooded due to external flood waters or sewage backup, you shouldn’t enter, given the potential health risks. Instead, look inside to try and gauge how much water there is. If it’s affecting flooring and walls, your next step will be figuring out how to pump out water from the basement as quickly as you can.

Ways to Remove Water from a Flooded Basement

In most cases, your best bet for knowing exactly how to remove water from flooded basements is reaching out to the professionals as soon as possible. However, there are some methods you can try on your own to manage the worst of it before the experts arrive.

Removing Water with Electricity Intact

If you still have electricity, then you have a few potential options to remove water from your home. For a small amount of water, a simple wet/dry vac can be effective. However, you’ll have a limited flow rate, so it isn’t a suitable option for major flooding.

In other cases, a dedicated water removal pump can make it easier to pump water out of basements. These are often available for rent from local hardware stores and flooded basement pump service providers, so contact them immediately to try and mitigate the damage. However, keep in mind that if your flooding is the result of heavy rains in your area, there may not be enough supply to meet demand.

Removing Water if the Electricity Is Out

Figuring out how to get water out of a basement without a pump is more challenging. Manual pumps may be available, but these can be much slower than electric pumps. Depending on your local region’s geography, siphoning by way of hoses may also be an option if you can find somewhere to drain the water at a lower elevation than your property.

How to Dry a Flooded Basement Floor

Removing the water is just the first step in protecting your basement. Plenty of moisture will have worked its way into your flooring, so proper drying is required to prevent serious water damage, mold, and other risks.

However, the drying process may differ depending on your type of flooring. Let’s talk about each one:

Drying a Concrete Floor

Flooded concrete floors are typically the best-case scenario, as they don’t absorb as much moisture as other materials. However, they still require proper drying. Providing plenty of ventilation, like opening doors and windows, and running fans can sometimes be enough. But reaching out to the professionals is still the best option, as they’ll have the best equipment for the job.

Drying a Carpeted Floor

Carpeting presents a much more serious challenge. It will need to be pulled up and hung somewhere to dry if you want to save it. The padding underneath should be thrown out and replaced, as it is likely fully saturated with water. Cleaning and disinfecting at this step can also go a long way to prevent mold growth. .

Drying a Wood Floor

Wood flooring is highly susceptible to water damage. Therefore, proper dehumidification and disinfection with professional equipment will be required to remove the moisture and keep things safe. Otherwise, it will warp and likely develop mold issues later on.

Protect Your Home with Basement Waterproofing Solutions

Need help after a flood? Call Basement Waterproofing Solutions! We’re always ready to help with our professional dehumidification systems.

While knowing how to get water out of basements is great, taking a proactive approach is the best way to protect your home. To prevent future flooding and protect your home from the ground up, consider preventive measures like interior basement waterproofing and exterior basement waterproofing.

Basement Waterproofing Solutions is dedicated to providing basement waterproofing in Staten Island and New Jersey. Contact us today to learn more!