If your basement is flooding, the source of water is probably either seeping through the windows, floors or walls, or it’s backing up from the drain. Water that seeps into your basement is usually caused by inadequate grading or drainage around your home. If not addressed immediately, this can result in severe water damage.

Backups, on the other hand, commonly occur in older areas during wet weather. Water damage typically happens by rain or groundwater entering the sanitary sewer system via defective foundation drain connections and cracks in the sewer pipes. In several cases, unexpected water damage will occur due to the sewer getting blocked from debris or tree roots or the sewer lines deteriorating and collapsing.

Preventative maintenance tips

At Restoration Now! in Omaha, we strongly believe in the power of preventative maintenance to help reduce the chance of a water damage emergency. While we are experts at water damage restoration, there are several things you can do to help prevent an in-home water emergency situation from ever occurring. Below are a few suggestions our team has put together for you to help reduce your chance of flooding in the home, or any water emergency.

A good rule of thumb is to never pour thick liquids, paint or grease into your drain or sinks, as any of these can block your sewer lines. Other items not suitable for sanitary sewer disposal (flushing) are paper towels, diaper wipes and other items except for toilet paper.

• Sewer lines should be cleaned and tree roots foamed to promote efficient draining. If there’s an older tree close to your sewer line, consider having the tree removed to prevent a water emergency problem in the future.
• Downspouts on your home should not be connected to the sanitary sewer, as it adds excess water to the sewer system. Instead, they should be redirected to drain directly into your yard or street.
• Your gutters should be free of debris. You can check for blockages by running water from a hose through them to verify that they’re draining properly.
• Perform an ongoing maintenance check on your sump pump and the drainage system around your home to ensure they are both working properly.
• Ensure that the grading around your dwelling directs water away from your home and not toward it.

What to do about flooding until our Restoration Now! arrives

Think safety first before you enter your home or begin to remove items from flooded areas. When your basement floods, if it is safe, try to photograph everything for insurance purposes. Remember, if there is a level of doubt, wait until Restoration Now! arrives. Be sure to never turn on any electrical devices, especially if you’re standing around or in flooded water.

If you’re dealing with water that has a stench to it, error on the side of caution because this type of contaminated water is defined as black water, which is very dangerous. As mentioned in our previous water damage article, black water is identified as grossly contaminated water or sewage that is capable of spreading disease. It could also be contaminated with dangerous chemicals or medical wastes. Remember, our specialty is black water damage and there is no issue our Omaha Restoration Now! team cannot handle.

Call Restoration Now! Omaha today at (402) 502-7277!

Do you have questions regarding water damage or an area in your home that might need some attention? Have you recently experienced flooding in your home? If so, feel free to contact our property restoration specialists at (402) 502-7277. We specialize in water, smoke, fire and mold. We strive to restore your home and reduce any stress of unexpected emergencies. Short on time? You’re welcome to fill out our contact form with your basic information and we’ll call you back at your convenience.