Seven Tips To Remember When Your Crawlspace Floods

12/20/2022 (Permalink)

One out of 5 Californians will experience flooding according to the Public Policy Institute of California.

Californians should expect floods in their homes.

According to the Public Policy Institute of California, 1 out of every 5 California homeowners will experience flooding. That means many homeowners will encounter flooding they may not have seen coming or expected before. The flood restoration process is not common knowledge but hiring certified restoration specialists can help you through the process.

If you’ve experienced a recent flood, here are seven tips to remember when dealing with any future water emergency.

Ensure Safety

Before entering a crawlspace to begin flood restoration, it needs to be safe. The impact of flash flooding can create gas leaks or turn the crawlspace into an electrical hazard. Turning off the electricity beforehand will prevent damage from electric shock, so shut down the breaker system or contact an electrical company for assistance.

Stop the Flooding

It isn’t easy to recover from crawlspace flooding if the water keeps leaking. Finding the source of the leak and covering it up will prevent any more water from coming in and make the water removal process quicker.

Bring Furniture and Valuables Upstairs

One of the numerous threats of crawlspace flooding is the damage it can inflict on anything you store downstairs. Precious keepsakes from family members, old or unused furniture, and other valuables are at risk of permanent damage from water. To save as many furnishings as possible, carry them upstairs and away from the flooded area so they can dry out. Placing them in a location with strong ventilation will help speed up the process and prevent further damage.

Remove the Water

Removing water is the most pivotal part of flooding restoration, and there are multiple methods of doing so. Using a water pump or wet vacuum will help suck up the mess quickly, but buckets and mops will suffice if those aren’t available. Extracting the water as soon as possible reduces the risk of mold, as it requires damp conditions to grow. 

Dry the Crawlspace

Even after removing the water, the aftermath of the crawlspace flooding still needs to be dealt with. Large industrial-sized fans and dehumidifiers will assist in removing any remaining dampness and moisture, so mildew has fewer opportunities to grow. Place fans several inches away from the walls to help airflow circulate and replace their filters regularly so they can function optimally. Depending on the material used for flooring and walls, it could take several days to air out, so don’t expect results to happen overnight.

Repair Broken Infrastructure

The last step in flood restoration is to repair any damage caused by the flooding water. Having flood insurance will help pay for the costs to replace any broken walls or repaint surfaces. While the crawlspace undergoes construction to fix the flood’s destruction, it’s also a great opportunity to prevent future damage by addressing potential water leaks and waterproofing the crawlspace if future flooding does occur.

Call the Water Damage Professionals

If you need help removing the dampness from your crawlspace after a severe flood in your home, SERVPRO® of Central Glendale’s water damage services will help restore your home back to how it was in no time. Call us today at 818-246-2200 and schedule an inspection today.