In Tacoma, it is not at all uncommon for basements to become flooded. In fact, due to the amount of rain and groundwater present in Tacoma, flooded basements are one of the most common issues we deal with. While you should always call out a professional to deal with this issue, there are a few steps you may be able to take to remedy the situation in the meantime. Below are five suggested steps you can refer to if you are dealing with a flooded basement.
1. SHUT THE WATER OFF
If the source of the flooding is related to your plumbing, you may be able to stop it by turning off the water to your home. It is recommended that you learn how to do this before disaster strikes. If the flooding in your basement contains sewage, you should refrain from using any of the plumbing in your home until the problem is fixed. In addition, you should refrain from using any appliances that might use water, such as dishwashers or laundry machines.
2. ASSESS THE DAMAGE FROM A DISTANCE
If you have a flooded basement, you should NOT walk through the water. Firstly, there is a legitimate risk of electric shock in these types of situations. If you are sure, you can do so safely, turn off the power to your home. If you must walk through the water, it is highly advised that you do so with protective gear. If the flooding is coming from a sewer pipe, it may contain bacteria, which put you at risk of becoming severely ill. Lastly, you should check for gas leaks and structural damage. If you are not completely positive that you are able to do these things safely, avoid the flooded area altogether and contact a professional.
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Whether it’s innovative plumbing solutions, efficient electrical repairs, or reliable HVAC maintenance, trust Harts to handle your home essentials with precision and care. Contact us today to discover the Harts difference and enjoy peace of mind in your home maintenance endeavors.
3. CALL A PLUMBER RIGHT AWAY!
Make sure you have our phone number saved and on hand for emergency situations like this! Here at Harts, we are extremely experienced in common Tacoma problems such as this one, and will be able to help you out right away!
4. CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY
After you have contacted us, and we have one of our consultants on their way out to you, you should call your insurance company directly after. If you wait too long before contacting your insurance company, you may not get the most desirable coverage. The longer you wait, the more likely this is. Be sure to take photos of all the damage, and hang on to any receipts for any emergency repairs or purchases.
5. PLAN FOR THE FUTURE
There are several ways that you can prevent flooding in your basement, or at least make it not so bad if it does happen. If you have anything valuable stored in your basement, it is recommended that you keep it sealed up in plastic in case any water happens to get in. You can also install a sump pump which will remedy any flooding that might occur. A sump pump install, or making improvements to your foundation’s drainage system can help prevent flooding in the future.
If you have any questions, or would like help installing a sump pump or improving your drainage systems, give us a call at (253) 331-1206 and we will send someone out to you right away!
