How Can Water Removal Happen in a Basement with a Broken Sump Pump?

6/2/2022 (Permalink)

Sometimes sump pumps can fail or the water damage is too much for them to be able to handle. Contact SERVPRO for efficient water removal efforts.

SERVPRO Has Advanced Water Extraction Equipment to Clean Up Water Loss in a Milton Basement 

If your Milton basement has water damage, you are not alone. Nearly 98% of basements receive water loss of some type during their service life. A broken sump pump is a common occurrence that can lead to a rapid backup of water and the need for fast removal because water degrades rapidly. If it has been standing longer than 48 hours, it requires handling as a category three biohazard, increasing the potential for more significant loss.

Why Does Water Damage Occur in a Basement?

The need for fast water removal in a Milton basement can happen due to any of the following common scenarios:

• Flash flooding
• Grade on the property directing water towards the home rather than away from it
• Broken pipes or supply lines
• Hot water tank failure
• Washing machine malfunctions in basement laundry rooms
• Poor drainage by the gutter system

Once it occurs, many basements have sump pumps that take care of the water. However, when the pump does not function properly, the amount of water can collect rapidly. 

What Should I Do First When My Basement has Water Damage?

If it is safe to do so, remove items from the basement floor to a higher place away from the water, or altogether remove it from the basement. In cases where entering is unsafe due to slip and fall accidents or the danger of shock, let the SERVPRO crew chief know upon arrival of any essential items that need removal. The techs will make it a priority to obtain those things for you. Large items that cannot get moved out, such as washing machines and dryers, can get placed on blocks to get them up and out of the water.

Water Extraction Methods in Basements

Since most basements have a concrete slab floor, floor coverings often get limited to floating floors and glue-down tile and carpet. None of these react well to extended exposure to water in Milton and usually require removal to dry the substrate underneath. The techs always inspect any removed flooring for the potential for cleaning, drying, and reinstallation to save the homeowner the cost of replacement. 

The water removal in a Milton basement goes rapidly as SERVPRO deploys multiple team members at the same time to make the initial extraction phase of mitigation as thorough as possible. Because they pull up embedded moisture, this assists in lessening the drying time needed. Commonly seen equipment is:

• Portable pumps that allow the techs to race around the basement
• Submersible pumps in cases where the water is more significant than two inches in depth
• Hand tools such as squeegees and mops 

Special Considerations for Brick, Concrete, and Masonry

Because brick and concrete have porous elements, they can be difficult to dry completely without professional-grade equipment. The technicians have a large selection of equipment to ensure that the basement gets dried and the interior humidity is lowered rapidly. This action is crucial in inhibiting the germination of mold spores, which can lead to broader issues. 

Determining the Basement is Dry

SERVPRO techs never rely on visuals to ascertain if a structure is dry. They take air moisture readings before and during the drying phase of mitigation. These readings get monitored carefully to ensure that drying goals for optimum air quality get attained.

What is That White Powder on the Bricks and Concrete?

After the cleanup of water in a Milton basement and drying, there can be white powder on the floor and walls if they are brick or concrete.

This substance is "Efflorescence," and although it is not pretty, it is a French term meaning "to flower out." The drying process causes salts within the masonry to rise to the surface and, once dry, become a powder. The techs use cleaning agents specifically for masonry to clean this residue away.

Inspection Before Running Basement-Based Equipment

If there is the potential that the HVAC or other equipment has gotten affected by the water loss in the basement, the techs may suggest bringing in a local expert to inspect the unit to make sure it is in good working order. A certified electrician should check electronics exposed to water before using them to ensure they are safe for reuse. 

When you need fast water removal in your basement or other areas of your home, call SERVPRO of Sullivan and South Ulster Counties at (845) 791-7647. The certified technicians arrive quickly and clean up all traces of the water loss.