Blog Layout

How to Handle Mold Outbreaks After A Basement Flood

Hibu Websites • September 30, 2021
a sump pump

Most homeowners are terrified of a basement flood, and it’s no wonder why. A flooded basement is one of the worst things that can happen to a home. A flood means replacing ruined items, repairing water damage, getting rid of residue water, and remedying any potential mold outbreaks. Mold outbreaks shouldn’t be underestimated since they can be very damaging to your home and your family’s health. For that reason, it’s important to know how to deal with an outbreak. You will find some useful tips below.

Shut off the Power

First, you’re going to want to shut off the power, especially if there is still standing water. Water is one of the best conductors of electricity there is so it’s possible to be severely electrocuted while trying to fix your basement. With the power off, you can be sure there will be no power running to any of your appliances or devices at home.

Get the Water Out of the Basement

Your sump pump or a battery-powered water pump should be sufficient to remove any residue standing water from your basement. It’s important that you remove as much as possible so that you can navigate your basement safely. Also, try using a wet vac to remove the water.

Get Rid of All Your Wet Items

Although rummaging through your damaged valuables may be upsetting, it’s important to get rid of all your soaked items from the basement. Move them all out to somewhere dry. You’re going to need to clear out space to move around the basement effectively and clean up. Use soaps or detergent to disinfect your items. Porous items need to be moved to a dry area to prevent any mold from growing.

Make Sure the Floors and Walls are Clean

The crucial step of this process is to make sure the basement walls and floors are clean of not just moisture, but dirt as well. Use warm water mixed with soap. Scrub the surfaces thoroughly to make sure all the dirt is gone. If your carpet is sopping wet, you might want to remove it and allow it to dry separately. Make sure to pull up all the padding because they can be very absorbent as well.

Call Worldwide Waterproofing and Foundation Repair Today! 

If you’re looking for flood remediation and mold removal experts, call Worldwide Waterproofing today! We are professionals in what we do with decades of experience in the business. We want to do what we can to make you feel safe and comfortable in your home. Book your next appointment today!


Do You Need a Free Evaluation?

Worldwide is by Your Side!

Call (410) 553-5801 Today!

(or fill out the form below)

Contact Us

Waterproofing and Foundation Repair Blog

Interior and Exterior Waterproofing
By Hibu Websites June 28, 2022
Interior and Exterior Waterproofing
Common Foundation Issues
By Hibu Websites February 1, 2022
Common Foundation Issues
How Can Winter Affect Your Foundation?
By Hibu Websites October 29, 2021
As winter approaches it’s important to prepare for the damage winter storms and the generally cold weather can have on the structure of your home. Freezing temperatures and winter rainfall can damage your home’s foundation and cause persistent issues. Do what you can to get ahead of the winter storms and prevent any issues from getting worse.
Solutions for Mold Growth
By Hibu Websites August 31, 2021
Mold isn’t just an eyesore, it’s also dangerous. Mold can be the cause of respiratory issues, tiredness, and even problems sleeping. In order to properly deal with it, you must first identify it. Keep reading below to learn more about identifying and ridding yourself of mold.
Your Introduction to Egress Windows
By Hibu Websites August 1, 2021
Your Introduction to Egress Windows
What is Hydrostatic Pressure and Why does it Matter?
By Hibu Websites June 25, 2021
Home’s are where we build our lives, house our loved ones, and make memories that last a lifetime. As a homeowner, we know you want to do everything you can to protect the home you cherish. In order to properly protect your property, you should be aware of hydrostatic pressure because it can damage a home’s foundation if not addressed. Keep reading for information on what hydrostatic pressure is, and what you can do to prevent any damage to your home’s foundation.
Sump Pump diagram
By Hibu Websites April 29, 2021
Before you can know if you need a sump pump, we need to discuss what a sump pump is. A sump pump is a machine that can keep your home from flooding by doing away with the buildup of moisture and by removing accumulated water in what is called a sump basin.
What Kind of Foundation Cracks Should you Worry About
By Hibu Websites March 26, 2021
What Kind of Foundation Cracks Should you Worry About
Vertical Crack in Foundation
January 28, 2021
Cracks in the foundation of a home would concern any homeowner. Some important questions may arise and this article will address some of them for you.
Why is Your Basement Humid?
By Hibu Websites December 31, 2020
We all know that feeling. That thick, sweaty, uncomfortable feeling of a humid basement. If you walk into your basement and you get that humid feeling, it may be too high. The reason for this is because concrete basement walls are porous and if the soil surrounding your home is saturated with water, pressure builds which can result in a weakening in the integrity of your walls. This force is called hydrostatic pressure, which results in moisture infiltrating the basement. If you notice dampness in your basement or if the walls feel clammy, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier while you troubleshoot the outdoor issues causing your humidity problems with drainage techniques. Make sure you have Proper Grading When constructing a new home, the land is usually graded so that it slopes away from the foundation which helps the moisture away from your home. Unfortunately, over time, erosion and soil compaction can alter the grading and make it less effective. It can actually begin to slope towards the house and the foundation. If this is your case you should make sure to act on it as soon as possible. You can fill in the surrounding dirt to correct the direction of the grading. In the event that you have improper grading on your concrete slab patio or driveway, you may need to have the concrete replaced. Replacing the surrounding dirt with gravel may also go a long way in reducing the hydrostatic force on your basement walls and improves the drainage conditions in your property. Exterior Drainage is Important Using gutters is ideal as they are intended to move the rainwater away from your home. When gutters are clogged, rainwater will start to spill over the edges and drip toward your foundations. Make sure your gutters empty three feet from your foundation. If this doesn’t happen, try attaching gutter extensions so the water moves farther away from your home. Landscaping too close to your home can create drainage problems. Make sure your plants are at least two feet from your foundations so that while you water your plants you’re not saturating your foundation with water. Using these tips do what you can to protect your foundation from water damage. If you start noticing issues like stair-step cracks in walls, or mildew and mold growth between cinder blocks, it might be a good idea to contact a trusted, licensed professional to inspect your home for water damage. Worldwide Waterproofing and Foundation Repair is here to help! Our professional inspectors and technicians will make sure your home is safe from water damage. Call today!
More Posts
Share by: