What to do with a Flooded Basement in Chester County, PA?

A flooded basement is anything but fun, especially after a storm. Heavy downpours can quickly flood your basement and create a pool, if not a huge mess.

Floodwater soaks carpets, impregnates construction materials, furniture and destroys personal belongings.

No matter the extent of the loss, it is easy to panic and not know what to do first when looking at a flooded basement.

Depending on the severity of the situation, the best idea is to immediately call an emergency plumber or restoration company. 

The first few hours are essential. It seems obvious to treat a flooded basement as a priority.

Remember that the longer you wait to act, the greater the damage to your property. Mold can start to develop only two to three days after the flood happened.

A Flooded Basement is an Emergency

Floodwater is unsanitary and can rapidly turn into category three water damage, grossly contaminated with pollutants including fungi and bacteria.

It also causes structural damage like rotten wood, soften and break drywalls, and crack concrete. 

​If you have electronics and appliances in your flooded basement, they become particularly dangerous in contact with water and can result in consequential losses with bad injuries or even fatalities. 

Therefore, it is essential to think about safety first. 

Make sure that your family is safe, and contact a restoration company right away. Do not try to salvage your belongings if there is any potential danger. Think twice before putting yourself in the line of risk that could compromise your safety.

If minutes might seem long, wait for the restoration company to arrive onsite. Explain the situation, and leave professionals to take care of the problem.

Do not immediately call your insurance company. First, discuss the next steps with your restoration company. 

Here is why.

Insurance Claims and Flooded Basements

It is the most tricky and sensitive part. 

Engaging with the insurance company is sometimes as traumatic as the flooded basement itself.

Is the insurance company going to cover the entire repair?

That is the big question.

The simple answer is that it depends on insurance coverage and what caused the basement to flood.

This is why you need a restoration company by your side to help navigate the questions and determine the root cause of the problem. 

Restoration companies deal with insurance claims all the time. They know the process and how to approach claims. So, it is essential to use this know-how to your advantage.

The Way to Deal With Flooded Basements

The objective is to extract the water and remove the objects.

Typically, the restoration technicians will remove any contents that can be salvaged from the flooded basement.

Typically, it is a triage of the homeowner’s furniture, equipment, and other personal objects.

Once the personal contents are removed from the affected area, technicians will remove the damaged flooring and drywall.

Then, the next step is to dry, clean, disinfect and deodorize the basement. 
 
Ultimately, the restoration company will repair the damage.

Take Aways for Flooded Basements

Act fast. Every minute counts.

Contact a restoration company early enough and engage them in the process.
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In the event of a flooded basement, the know-how and experience of qualified restoration technicians can help you:

• Implement the safety protocols
  
• Maximize the best outcomes possible with the insurance company
  
• Make sure that the restoration process is properly implemented
  

As always, preparation is essential. So, do your due diligence and give us a call if you need help.