Basements become flooded due to a number of reasons. Possible reasons are clogged downspouts and storm gutters, thus leading water toward the house instead of away from the house. Holes in these storm gutters can also cause the same problem of a flooded basement.



Sometimes, the cracks in the foundation of your home can cause a flooded basement, too. Though the soil usually absorbs water, the absorption process can slow down especially if the rain continues to pour for a few days. In normal circumstances, the water will flow in your yard, causing a flood. However, if there are cracks in your house's foundations, water can enter them too, thereby causing a flooded basement.

In order to avoid the constant problem of a flooded basement, you need to remedy the cause. Installation of a sump pump may help you greatly. You also need to patch up the cracks and stress fractures in your basement so as to prevent water from entering it. These things are done in order to prevent having a flooded basement.

However, if your basement is already flooded, there is no more time to patch up holes or repair the foundations of your house. The first thing you need to do is to remove the water that has entered your basement. Water removal measures can range from simply mopping the floor if the flood is minor, to installing a few devices if there is a full-blown flood in your basement.

You may need to install a portable sump pump, wet vacuum, or wet shop vacuum to evacuate the flood in your basement. This can be purchased in your local hardware store, or you can borrow it from your neighbor if he has one. These equipment can also be rented, since these are just for short-term use.

There are things you need to consider when you decide to use any one of these devices. For example, the sump pump requires a water outlet, a place where the water removed from your flooded basement will be transferred to. In this case, you will probably need a long hose so that the water coming out form your basement will be transferred as far away from your home as possible.

Wet vacuums, on the other hand, have receptacles that need to be emptied every once in a while, every few minutes in fact. Wet shop vacuums can hold more water, but may be difficult to empty since it will be heavier.

Once the rain has stopped, you should open your windows to allow the moist air to escape. Aside from speeding up the drying process of your flooded basement, it will also help avoid mold growth that stems from locked-in moisture. You can also turn on the heater to help the drying process. You must remember though that this should only be done if your heater did not incur any type of water damage. Making use of fans and dehumidifiers can also help.

These are the steps you can take to cleanup a flooded basement all on your own. However, if the damage caused is extensive, do not hesitate to ask the help of a water damage restoration professional.