How To Pump Water From a Flooded Basement

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

Sump pump in Pompano Beach, FL

How To Pump Water From a Flooded Basement

A major storm or broken pipe can cause a basement flood. With some basic equipment from a hardware or construction store, you should be able to drain the basement yourself.
You should not start the process until the exterior water has receded. In the meantime, keep any pets and children away from the flooded basement. You should also shut off the electricity in your home.
Be sure you have everything you need before entering the basement. The main tools you will use are:

• Submersible pump
  
• Hose
  
• Nylon rope
  
• Generator
  
• Extension cord
  
  

Setting Up

Start by attaching the pump cord and the extension cord. Put the cords around a heavy object so they won't get wet. Next, attach a sump or garden hose to the top of the pump and tie the nylon rope. The hose should be placed so the excess water can drain into a nearby sewer.

Pumping

Use the nylon rope to lower the pump in place. Then turn on the generator and plug in the extension cord. The pump should then start draining the basement flood water. Once there are only a few inches of water left, put the pump in the lowest spot of the basement so it can suck up the remaining fluid.

Vacuuming

If the damage to your Pompano Beach, FL, basement is minimal, you may not even need to use a pump. Water that is less than one inch deep and confined to a small area can be drained using a wet/dry vacuum. This tool removes the water from the floor and puts it into a four-gallon tank that must be drained when it gets full.
Of course, the basement flood cleanup doesn’t end once the water has been removed. You also have to dry off and clean your belongings. Some wet items, such as carpet, may have to be discarded completely to reduce the risk of mold growth.
Emergency restoration professionals can help with the drying process. Your insurance coverage may even pay for the cost.