Water is a running element that continues to seek lower ground and lower level. It usually carries with it a vast number of elements and organic materials as it runs its natural course. The buildup of water in a certain area usually happens after a natural calamity like a storm or heavy rains and flooding.
With the heavy rains and strong surges of water, most canal drainages and underground pipes cannot handle the volume of water hence, a reverse action occurs that sends the water back up the manhole or drainage holes in the basements of houses. Once this happens, water gathers in the confined space with no way out and damages everything it comes in contact with.
Water removal, is immediately required when a basement is flooded with backflows or effluent from the sewers. Aside from having to get appropriate cleaning apparel, it also requires the proper cleaning materials which must be used to make the water removal and cleaning more efficient and effective. Proper cleaning attire requires rubberized boots so you can tread water easily. The proper equipment needed is a submersible vacuum pump or a wet vacuum pump that could remove or reduce the water.
Start the water removal process by pumping the water out of the house or the basement. The main idea is to reduce the quantity of water in order to get access to the furniture, fixture and equipment. Start water removal from the highest point within the confined space until you get to the lower spaces. When the water has been adequately removed, tackle the movable items that you could bring out.
After water removal, it is time to take out all affected items from the basement and put them on higher ground that is dry, well away from water.
After you are through with removing the items, remove the carpet. If the carpet is tacked in or glued to the floor, get a sharp knife or scissors and cut it out to be able to remove it. Remember that the carpet should also undergo the water removal, cleaning and drying processes, along with all the other wet items. After having successfully taken out the carpet, clean, disinfect and dry the floor properly.
Cleaning the water damaged area requires brushing it with a soapy solution and rinsing it afterwards. After rinsing, apply a disinfecting solution that would help remove remaining pathogenic elements. The disinfectant will also aid in lessening the smell brought about by the contaminated water. Then dry by putting and turning on fans to circulate the stale air. If you have a dehumidifier turn it up so it would absorb the moisture within the basement.
While waiting for the basement area to dry up, start cleaning and sorting the items you brought up. Discard thoroughly damaged items, and clean and disinfect the ones that could still serve their purpose. Before restoring any item, properly assess whether it is worth the effort. The repair cost must be compensated with the service or original function with which the item was bought in the first place.
Beth Olignerf writes articles and shares information on fire and water for Miami Water Removal and Basement Water Removal Service
