January 23, 2017

Finding water in your basement can be quite alarming at first, and the most important first step to remedying the situation is to understand where it is likely coming from and why. If you find water in your basement just after it has rained or once the snow has melted that should provide you with a good clue of where the water might be originating. Approximately 60% of homes in the U.S. have some type of issue with water in the basement, so if your basement is wet you're not alone. One of the biggest issues with water in the basement is the potential for mold, and approximately 38% of homes that suffer from water in the basement issues are at risk for basement mold.1 Most leaks are due to rain or snow, but even if you live in an area where these do not occur often you may still be at risk. For every inch of fallen rain, a 1,500-square-foot roof sheds about 1,000 gallons of water.1What Do I Do if I'm Experiencing a Basement Water Emergency? It is critical you call a waterproofing expert such as Everdry Waterproofing of Upstate NY right away when you discover a leaking basement, but while they are on the way there are a few things you can do to attempt to save your belongings from water damage.

  • Move all furniture in the wet area to a dry area of your basement.
  • Take out all belongings from cardboard boxes that have gotten wet. Dry them off to prevent mold from forming.
  • Dry any wet areas of the basement floor using a Shop Vac if possible. Next, roll back carpeting that has been wetted so the underlying padding can be air dried. For hard floor surfaces, use mops and towels to clean up the water.
  • Run a dehumidifier in the area to prevent mold from growing.

Following these steps while the professionals are on their way will help you avoid water damage and lower the risk of mold formation which can lead to further issues down the line. Water in your basement is a sure sign of a leak, but only a professional can determine how serious the problem is and how best to handle the situation. Everdry Waterproofing of Upstate NY can inspect your basement and waterproof it to make sure leaks do not occur in the future. As soon as the leak appears, no matter how small it may be at the time, give us a call at 1-800-733-5360. We will come out to your home to perform a free inspection and see what needs to be done from there. Everdry is proud to serve the Buffalo, Rochester and Syracuse, New York areas.