One of the most disastrous accidents that can occur inside a house is a flooded basement. If this type of scenario is occurring in your home, it’s imperative to take immediate and safe action before the problem becomes even worse.
The following is a checklist regarding how to properly handle a flooded basement in your home:
- Turn off the water. If possible, turn off the water source and stop the flood. This could mean shutting off your home’s plumbing, so it’s important to understand how to adequately do this. If the cause of the flood is a sewage backup, don’t use the toilet or any other appliances which require water-use, such as a dishwasher or laundry machine.
- Access the flood damage from a distance. Remember, your basement contains electrical outlets and devices which may pose a legitimate threat of electric shock, so do not walk through the water. If you are confident enough to shut off the power in your home, do so safely. Do not enter the water without protective gear, especially if the flood derived from a broken sewer pipe, since it may contain harmful bacteria.
- Immediately call a professional plumber. The faster you call a plumber, the faster this situation will be resolved.
- Contact your insurance company. Once you call a plumber, the next call you should make is to your insurance company in order to obtain the coverage you expect. Please take plenty of pictures of the damage and keep all of your receipts for any emergency repairs and purchases.
- Take preemptive steps to protect your home in the future. This includes upgrading your home’s drainage system, keeping valuables in water tight containers, or installing a sump pump.
If you are experiencing a flooded basement in your Tennessee home, contact Smith’s Plumbing Services and speak with our professional Bartlett plumber today.