Help! My House Is Flooded, What Should I Be Concerned About?

Your has just been bombarded by a flood, and you’re currently coping with the aftermath. Your carpet is beyond soaked, most of your electronics are absolutely out-of-commission, and plumbing is shot. So, what do you do? Where do you start? It’s understandable to be overwhelmed in a situation like this, and we’re here to tell you what your main concerns should be, and to give you warnings as to what to do, and not to do.

Wading Through Flood Waters

In really bad house floods, flood waters can reach ankle-levels. In general, we advise not wading through these waters, if at all possible, but we realize that sometimes it’s imperative to do so. This dirty water (sometimes referred to as “black water”) carries bacteria and other microorganisms that can cause disease and infections. In this circumstance, you should obviously be concerned about your health – calling your local water removal experts is certainly your best option. But again, if you find that you must wade through the waters on your own, use a pair of water-proof, knee-high galoshes.

Your Electronics

After a massive flood has just invaded your home, you’re going to have to very quickly come to terms with the fact that many of your valuable electronic devices are probably ruined. Even more importantly, though – it’s extremely unsafe to attempt to use them, or even unplug them, when surrounded by h20. Perhaps you’re under the impression that, due to the flood, you no longer have electricity in a certain portion of your home. Don’t take your chances by, for example, removing a plug from an outlet while standing in water. Long story short: Don’t touch anything electrical while your home is flooded – leave this to a professional.

Your Sewage System

Another major aspect of your home that you should be concerned about, in the wake of a flood, is your septic tank or sewage system. It’s a good rule of thumb that if your home is significantly flooded, so you sewage system. We shouldn’t have to tell you that raw sewage can be very hazardous – so be sure that this vital system is functioning properly, before going back to your daily activities.

Pumping The Basement Too Soon

It’s vital to keep in mind that if there’s water in your basement, then there is most likely water on the outside of your basement walls, too – the surrounding ground is usually soaked after a significant storm. Pumping out the basement too soon after the storm, could cause structural damage to your home, and in the worst case scenario, total collapse.

Drinking Water Out of the Tap

Whether you drink well water, spring water, or city water, your water supply could have very well been contaminated by flood waters. So, before you turn on your kitchen faucet and put a glass underneath, it’s definitely in your best interest to have a professional test the supply to be sure it’s okay. Even if the city, for example, says it’s okay to drink, we still recommend getting it tested. Until then, bottled water is your best option.

Contact Water Removal Experts

If you’re curious as to what other things you ought to be worried about, in the event that your home floods, you should contact your local water removal professionals immediately. They’re here  to do away with all the damage the flood has caused, and help you take control of your home, once again.

Frequently Asked Questions