Owner`s manual

Before you enter a flooded
basement, take time to:
1) Turn off the electricity,
preferably at the meter;
2) Check outside cellar walls for
possible cave-ins, evidence of
structural damage or other
hazards;
3) Turn off gas or fuel service
valves; and
4) Open doors and windows or
use blowers to force fresh air
into the basement.
PUMPING
For safety reasons, do not use an electric pump powered by your own
electrical system. Instead, use a gas-powered pump or one connected to an
outside line. Fire departments in some communities may help with
pumping services.
More damage may be done by pumping flooded basements too soon or too
quickly. Water in the basement helps brace the walls against the extra
pressure of water-logged soil outside. If water is pumped out too soon,
walls may be pushed in or floors pushed up. To help prevent this kind of
structural damage:
® Remove about a third of the water each day. Watch for signs of
structural failing.
® If the outside water level rises again after the day's pumping, start at
the new water line.
® Don't rush the pumping; the soil may be very slow to drain.
Whatever is submerged in the basement will not be damaged further
by delaying the pumping.
CLEANING
After water has been pumped from the basement, shovel out the mud and
debris while it is still moist. Hose down walls to remove as much silt as
possible before it dries. Floors and walls may need sanitizing, particularly
if sewage has entered the basement. Scrub walls and floors with a
disinfecting solution of 1 cup chlorine bleach per gallon of water.
Oil stains caused by overturned or damaged oil tanks also may be a
problem following basement flooding. Commercial products, available
from fuel-oil suppliers, will help neutralize fuel oil. The products come in
powder form or an aerosol spray for hard-to-reach places. To remove oil
stains and destroy odor: wipe up excess oil, shake or spray product on the
spot according to manufacturer's directions, let it set, then sweep it up.
INSPECTION AND REPAIR
Before beginning repairs, make a thorough inspection of supporting
columns, beams, walls and floors. Unless you have structural expertise,
hire a contractor to make a professional survey. (Consider joining with
neighbors for a group-rate inspection.) Repairs may extend to the
following:
University of Wisconsin-Extension • CooperativeExtension FLOOD-CLEAN-UP/REPAIR
more information
Cleaning and Repairing Flooded Basements
GETTING OUT WATER AND PREVENTING FUTURE PROBLEMS