Flooded Basement Cleanup and Restoration in Hudson Valley NY

Having to deal with a flooded basement can be a stressful and overwhelming experience. Luckily, you don’t have to go through it alone.

At First Call Restoration, we specialize in water damage restoration and have the knowledge and equipment needed to tackle even the toughest basement floods across Hudson Valley NY.

Our highly trained technicians are experts in removing water from basements and crawl spaces, and we understand that every basement flood poses its own unique challenges.

When the worst happens, we’ll be quickly on the scene to work with you to create a customized plan of action that meets the specific needs and challenges of your particular situation.

Common causes of flooded basements in Hudson Valley NY

Several factors can lead to flooded basements. In the New York area, some of the most common causes are the following:

• Heavy rainfall. During storms or prolonged periods of heavy rain, water can quickly accumulate around your home’s foundation and find its way into the basement.
• Poor drainage. Water can seep into your basement if the soil around your home is poorly graded. Likewise, water can collect in pools around your foundation if your gutters and downspouts are broken or clogged with leaves or other debris.
• Burst or leaking pipes. Faults with your plumbing can also lead to basement flooding. Burst pipes, leaking pipes, leaking water heaters, or overflowing appliances such as washing machines can cause a basement flood.
• Sump pump failure. Sump pumps are a major line of defense against flooding. They’re designed to pump water out of the basement, but can only do so if they are functioning correctly. This is why regular checks and maintenance are so important.
• Sewer backup. This can occur when the main sewer line becomes clogged or overwhelmed, causing water and sewage to flow back into your home’s plumbing.
• Cracks and holes. Water follows the path of least resistance, finding cracks and holes through basement walls. Over time, your home’s foundation can develop cracks as well.
• Basement window wells. If the window wells on your basement windows aren’t properly designed or maintained, they can allow water to enter the basement.

How do you clean up a flooded basement?

If your basement has flooded, it’s important to take quick action. This way, you can avoid major and costly structural damage to your home, minimize material loss and prevent health risks for your building’s occupants.

Here are the steps to take for flooded basement cleanup:

1. Safety first. As always, before going into any flooded area, you must ensure that the area is safe to enter. This means making sure that the power supply is turned off and that you wear protective clothing, such as rubber boots and gloves, to avoid contact with contaminated water.
2. Identify the source. If you’re able, your first priority should be to determine the cause of the flooding and take steps to address it. If it’s a burst pipe, turn off the water supply. If it’s heavy rainfall, try to divert water away from your home, for example using sandbags.
3. Contact flood cleanup specialists. If the flooding is severe or you’re concerned about mold or structural damage, contact a professional water damage restoration company like First Call Restoration to assist. Time is of the essence in these situations and you need experts on site as soon as possible.
4. Remove standing water. Flood cleanup experts have specialist equipment to deal with standing water. If the water is shallow, a wet-dry vacuum can remove it. However, if it’s deep, you may need to use a submersible pump to remove it.
5. Dry the area. To limit damage and salvage as much as possible, industrial fans and dehumidifiers should be used to dry the area as quickly as possible. Windows and doors should also be opened to improve ventilation.
6. Disinfect surfaces. In order to prevent the growth of mold and other bacteria, it’s vital to disinfect any surfaces that have come into contact with floodwater.
7. Dispose of debris and damaged items. The next stage is to remove external debris or mud from the flooded area. Any items that have been damaged beyond repair, such as carpeting or furniture, should also be disposed of properly.
8. Damage repair and restoration. The final step in dealing with a flooded basement is to repair the damage that has been caused by the flood.

The cost of repairing a flooded basement

Flooded basement cleanup can be costly, depending on the extent of the damage and the steps needed to restore your home to its pre-flood condition.

Factors that can impact the cost of repairing a flooded basement include:

• The quantity of water that entered your basement
• How long the water sat in the basement
• The type of water (clean water, gray water, or black water) that entered your basement 
• The materials affected by the water (e.g., carpet, drywall, insulation, etc.)
• If there’s damage to your electrical, plumbing or HVAC systems
• If permits or inspections are necessary
• If any structural repairs are necessary
• The cost of any mold remediation

In the majority of cases, homeowners’ insurance will cover some or all of the cost of repairs. But be sure to review your insurance policy and contact your provider as soon as possible after a flood to determine what’s covered and what steps you need to take to process a claim.

Professional flooded basement cleanup

At First Call Restoration, we know that fast action is required when it comes to water damage restoration in Hudson Valley NY. That’s why we’re available 24/7 to respond to your emergency and begin the flood cleanup process as quickly as possible.

If you’re dealing with a flooded basement in the Hudson Valley of NY area, don’t hesitate to call us at (845) 442-6714. We’re here to help you every step of the way and will work tirelessly to restore your home to its pre-flood condition.