Each year, flooding causes over $40 Billion in damage across the globe. The aftermath can be devastating and very frustrating if you suffer basement flooding, whether from a natural disaster, burst pipes, or a sewer line break or backup.
In many cases, attempting the cleanup on your own can even be dangerous. Instead, leave this messy and potentially dangerous job to the professionals at SOS Mitigation.
Long Island Flooded Basement Cleanup | #1 Rapid Response
When a basement flood occurs, timing is everything. You need a water damage cleanup company that can act quickly to remove the standing water, prevent further damage, and, worse, mold proliferation.
That is why if you see any standing water in your basement, it is critical that you contact the water damage experts at SOS Mitigation. Our team can be dispatched immediately to create a water cleanup and mitigation strategy.
What Are The Common Causes Of Basement Floods?
Many homeowners flock to Long Island, NY, because of its beautiful homes, plentiful jobs, and fantastic access to Manhattan and the other boroughs of New York City. Unfortunately, several portions of Long Island, including the southernmost tip of the island, are highly susceptible to flooding from natural disasters, including heavy rain and hurricanes.
In addition to Mother Nature’s wrath, there are several other common causing of residential basement flooding, including:
Broken Pipes
During the winter, it is not uncommon for pipes to burst when the water freezes and expands in the pipes. If several pipes burst, especially pipes in the basement, it can lead to a potentially disastrous flood. A broken pipe from your hot water heater can also cause basement flooding.
Inadequate Basement Sealing
When a home is constructed, the builders will typically seal the basement. This process helps prevent water from seeping through the walls, which often occurs after the house settles and cracks form in the basement walls.
Unfortunately, if the basement is not properly sealed, water can easily leak into the basement from the saturated soil outside, leading to a flood. The flooding can slowly occur over time, or it can happen very quickly if there is a natural disaster, including a hurricane or heavy rain.
Improperly Placed Gutter Downspouts
Unfortunately, several homeowners overlook the importance of keeping their gutters clean and properly angling the downspouts away from the house. During a rainstorm, water can pool around the foundation if the downspouts are not pointed away from the home.
Eventually, when the soil becomes oversaturated, the water will seep into the home, causing a flooded basement.
Sewer Line Damage or Backup
A sewer line backup or damage is one of the most unfortunate and downright disgusting causes of a flooded basement. When the sewer becomes clogged with waste and debris, it can back up into the home. This occurs more often if you have a septic system.
Damage to the sewer line, both inside and outside of the home, can also lead to a flooded basement. Unfortunately, instead of water, a sewer line backup or damage will flood your basement with dangerous human waste.
If you suffer a sewer line backup, do not enter your basement or attempt to retrieve any items. Instead, contact the professionals at SOS Mitigation. A professional should always handle sewage cleanup because the wastewater is filled with several potentially deadly bacteria.
What Are The Correct Steps To Take When Cleaning A Flooded Basement?
Once again, timing is everything when it comes to a basement flood. You need to act fast and take the appropriate steps to ensure the flood cleanup occurs quickly and in the correct order. Here are the steps you must take if you ever suffer a basement flood:
Determine the Cause of the Flooding
If possible, try to determine the cause of the flooding and stop the water flow into the basement. For example, if a burst pipe is the culprit, locate the water main and turn off all the water to the entire home.
Unfortunately, if a natural disaster causes a flood, you will need to wait for the water damage restoration business to enter your home and attempt to stop the water from causing any additional damage to your basement.
Contact Water Damage Companies
Contact a water removal and remediation company in the Long Island, NY, area. Trained professionals will be dispatched to your home and will determine the extent of the damage, create a basic cleanup plan, and provide you with a free estimate for the entire job.
One great way to find a reputable water removal company is to ask your friends and family for recommendations. If this isn’t feasible, a quick search of “water damage Long Island, NY” is another excellent option.
Look for a mitigation company that specializes in flooded basement cleanup, is licensed, knows how to handle insurance claims, and has years of experience servicing cities like Valley Stream, Cedarhurst, Lawrence, Hewlett, Woodmere, North Babylon, West Babylon, Deer Park, and Bay Shore.
Contact Your Insurance Company
The next phone call should be to your insurance company. Luckily, if you have flood insurance, most homeowners insurance policies will cover the entire cost of the restoration. At SOS Mitigation, we are familiar with the insurance claim process and can help you work with your insurance company to file any necessary insurance claims.
Assess the Damage and Take Photographs
Take an assessment of the damage caused by the flood. The best way to do this and gain proof of water damage for your insurance company is to take photographs. Do not enter the flooded basement; snap pictures from the stairs and text them to us.
Allow the Water Removal Team To Do Their Job
The best thing you as a homeowner can do is allow the damage restoration team to do their job. The water damage team is well-equipped and knowledgeable and will be able to quickly eliminate the standing water and begin the flood cleanup.
What To Expect During the Water Damage Restoration Process
Depending on the magnitude of the water damage and the amount of standing water found in the basement, it can take several hours or even days to complete a flood damage cleanup. For example, if you have a single broken pipe and the flood damage was localized, the entire cleanup can often be completed in a couple of days.
Unfortunately, if the damage is more extensive, the water removal and flood damage cleanup can take several days. This is because, in many cases, in addition to cleaning the flooded basement, a team will also need to prevent mold growth in your Long Island, NY, basement.
Here is what you can expect to occur while the team cleans up your flooded basement in Long Island, NY:
Water Removal. Before any cleaning can occur, the standing water must be removed from your basement. The quickest way to remove water is with an industrial pump. The team might also use specialized vacuums and other methods to remove the water as quickly as possible.
Drying and Dehumidification of the Basement. Once the standing water is removed from a wet carpet or other flooring, air movers and large industrial fans are used to dry off the flooring, walls, and other objects in the basement that cannot be moved.
Large, powerful dehumidifiers will help remove any humidity left in the basement. Throughout the process, the damage restoration team will use hygrometers and other tools to measure moisture levels in the air.
Cleaning, Sanitizing, and Removal of Damaged Objects. The cleaning and sanitization process begins only after the room is completely dry. The team will wear specialized equipment and use various tools and chemicals to eliminate traces of mold, bacteria, and other contaminants from your basement.
If necessary, any objects that cannot be saved after suffering severe water damage, such as carpet, furniture, and clothing, will be appropriately disposed of.
Restoration. The last step of your residential flood cleanup will involve restoring your basement to make it a safe and livable space. This often includes rebuilding walls, replacing damaged flooring and carpet, and sealing the basement to prevent future flooding.
Never enter your flooded basement, no matter what the cause of the flood. Severe damage to the electrical system could mean live electrical wires are in the basement. Instead, it is always advisable to contact your utility provider to have the power to your home turned off before you or a restoration company representative enters the basement.
Do I Need Mold Remediation Services?
In many cases, if the water damage is severe, mold growth can occur. All mold requires to proliferate is moisture and organic matter, which is why mold growth often occurs in damp, wet basements.
Unfortunately, even if the basement flood cleanup occurs quickly and the water restoration team does a great job, mold removal is still often necessary. Even if you cannot see mold, it is still possible that mold can be spreading in hard-to-reach areas, such as under the carpet or beneath wood paneling.
If you require mold removal as part of your water cleanup plan, the team at SOS Mitigation can help. It is vital to seek mold remediation services if anyone in your home has health concerns, such as asthma, exacerbated by mold.
Reasons to Hire a Water Restoration Firm Vs. a DIY Basement Flood Cleanup
It’s a Sunday morning, and your spouse frantically tells you there is standing water in your basement. You aren’t sure if you should handle the job yourself or hire a professional. In every instance, you will find that when it comes to this type of emergency, it is best to allow the professionals at SOS Mitigation to handle the water damage cleanup.
One of the biggest reasons you should allow a professional to handle an emergency water damage cleanup is that a professional will have the tools, equipment, and protective gear necessary to complete the job.
Cleaning up after a flood can be dangerous, especially if there is waste in the flood waters. This can occur after a sudden storm or if your sewer line breaks. A Long Island flood cleanup crew has the training and protective equipment to safely eliminate the waste.
Emergency Water Damage Restoration Cost
The overall cost of water removal, complete flooded basement cleanup, and basement restoration can vary wildly, depending on the breadth of the damage and size of the basement. The average homeowner can pay a deductible anywhere from $500 to $2,500 for a complete emergency restoration after a basement flood.
How Long After Basement Floods Can I Put My Stuff Back in the Basement?
Like most homeowners, chances are you want to know the answer to a simple question: When can I put my stuff back in the basement? Before your basement becomes a usable space, the restoration team must remove all the standing water, its contents must be completely dry, and the space must be properly cleaned and deodorized.
Additionally, you need to determine the cause of the basement flood and make any necessary changes or upgrades before you enjoy the space or use the basement for storage.
Tips for Preventing Basement Flooding in the Future
The cost of cleanup after basement flooding can be downright scary. Luckily, there are several ways can prevent the need for emergency water damage restoration services, including:
Install a Sump Pump. One of the most economical and highly effective ways to prevent a flood, especially for homeowners prone to standing water or living in a flood zone, is to install a sump pump. The pump is triggered by standing water and can be a great way to prevent unnecessary water removal and damage.
Prevent a Burst Pipe in Winter. The weather in Long Island can be frigid in winter. Prevent a basement flood from a burst pipe by covering your exposed pipes, such as the pipes under your kitchen sink, with insulation.
Have Your Basement Properly Sealed. A great strategy to prevent future flooding and the need for emergency water removal services is to have your basement professionally sealed.
Our Services
With over ten years of experience serving the Long Island area, SOS Mitigation is conveniently located in Queens, NY. We are ready to handle all of your water damage restoration needs. We are a family-owned business, meaning our top priority is customer service.
In addition to servicing Nassau County, we also provide flooded basement cleanup services to our customers in Suffolk County.
In addition to 24-hour emergency water damage restoration and mold removal, we offer a wide variety of other services to our amazing customers, including:
- Fire damage restoration
- Sewage backup cleanup and restoration
- Wind and storm damage restoration
- Mold Removal
- Bathroom Remodeling
- Kitchen Remodel
If your home or business suffers any type of damage that is related to flooding, fires, or a backup sewer, we are here to help. We offer free estimates on all our services, and it is our promise we will always act in a professional manner and will do a fantastic job.
In addition to residential emergency water removal and water remediation services, we can offer free estimates to any home or business owner in our service areas.
