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What To Do If Your Basement Floods?
Taylor Faulkner • January 7, 2025

Flooding can be disastrous. No matter where or when it happens, a large-scale water intrusion can cause damage to not only your personal belongings, but also to the structure of your home. Worse yet, if the water is not properly extracted and the damage is mitigated, it could potentially lead to mold growth. In many cases, the basement can be one of the first places where water can intrude and accumulate. In this post, we will go over some of the more common causes of basement flooding, and what you should do if your basement floods.


Common Causes of Basement Flooding


Because basements are both underground and near the foundation, they are some of the areas most often prone to flooding. Because of this, if you store belongings in your basement, we recommend storing them in plastic totes rather than cardboard boxes, because in the event of a basement flood, they will offer better protection against water damage. If water begins to accumulate around the exterior walls of your house, it could begin to seep in and drain down the walls of your basement. Some reasons why there might be an excess of surface water could include improperly installed gutters and downspouts causing water to pool near your foundation. More extreme sources could include inclement weather, which could also cause groundwater to seep up through any cracks in the foundation.

Another unfortunate cause of basement flooding is a sump pump failure. If your home relies on a sump pump to relieve the inflow of water, it is crucial that the pump operates as intended. Otherwise, it might not be able to keep up with the incoming water, causing backups and flooding.

Other common causes of basement flooding could include leaking pipes or broken appliances such as water heaters. If this is the case, do not attempt to shut off the source of water yourself. A flooded environment can be dangerous due to a variety of factors, and it is highly recommended that you do not endanger yourself by entering the flooded area.


What should I do if my basement floods?


Step 1: Take photos!

              The first step is to document the scene by taking photos of the affected area. Please do not enter the flooded area to take these photos, just do the best you can. These photos will be invaluable if you decide to file an insurance claim.


Step 2: Call a plumber

              The next step is to stop the inflow of water. If the flood is due to a broken appliance, leaking pipe, or failed sump pump, a professional plumber can replace or repair the source of the water to prevent more water from entering the area. If you are not sure what the source of the water is, a plumber can also help you to identify the cause. This is important for the next step, as the water can’t be extracted by a water mitigation expert like Faulkner Restoration until the inflow of new water has been stopped.


Step 3: Call a water mitigation expert

              The final step is to call a water mitigation expert like Faulkner Restoration. These professionals use specialized equipment to extract the standing water, dehumidify the space, and totally dry out the affected area. Our team of experts can help you to assess the extent of the damage, and help you determine whether to file an insurance claim. If you decide to file, our experts have decades of experience dealing with insurance companies and can help you with that process as well.


Even though a flooded basement can be frightening, professionals like Faulkner Restoration are here to help, and ensure your home is returned to its original condition. Call the experts at 317-782-9999!

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The attic of a home often has numerous vulnerabilities when it comes to potential water damage but have no fear; by the end of this guide, you will have learned some of the most common causes of water damage in an attic, as well as learning what to do if you experience water damage to your attic. Common Causes of Attic Water Damage Some of the more common culprits includes - Damaged roofing materials, such as damaged shingles or ridge caps - Ice dams, which you can read about in detail in our previous blog post, "What Are Ice Dams and How Can I Prevent Them?" - Old or inadequate insulation, which could lead to frost accumulating inside your attic - Improper ventilation, which could cause condensation to accumulate - HVAC and/or plumbing failures, which can lead to water damage in any area of a house, but are common culprits in attic water damages due to the more-exposed nature of most attics How To Fix Attic Water Damage If you can see cracks in the ceiling, wet insulation, or mold, it could be a telltale sign that you've got water damage in your attic. it's important to act quickly. Step 1: Take Photos! The first step is to take photos of any and all damage you can see. This will help to serve as documentation of the damage if you decide to file an insurance claim, as well as assisting our restoration professionals. Step 2: Stop The Leak! The next step is to stop the flow of incoming water, if applicable. In cases where the water damage is caused by a faulty appliance or pipe, you might need to shut off the water line. It is recommended that you call a plumber to assist in this process. If you cannot identify the source, you should contact a restoration professional like Faulker Restoration right away. Step 3: Call The Experts! The final step is to call your local restoration professionals. If you are in Marion County, Indiana or the surrounding counties, Faulkner Restoration is here 24/7, ready to dispatch our skilled team of emergency water damage technicians to assist you. Our team can help you determine if you would like to file an insurance claim, and can help assist you in that process as well. We have decades of experience working with insurance adjusters, and are ready and willing to help you navigate the process. Water damage in an attic can be scary, and needs your immediate attention in order to prevent the damage from spreading to surrounding ceilings and walls. However, our team of experts are here to serve, and to help restore your home to it's proper condition. Don't wait, call The Experts at Faulkner Restoration today!
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