Help on basement flood

[brett05]

Both our pumps died but thankfully we were home when it happened. We only got about an inch of water before having the new pumps working. We have an unfinished basement with framing for the stairs and some dry wall.

My questions.

1). I know the water isn't sewage but it's not tap. We are tossing out anything that got wet including area rugs. But what about the studs/drywall? I'd say they were under water for about 30-60 min?

2). Kinda related, what should be concerns for mold?

3). I'm cleaning any wet non paper items with 99.9% disinfectant wipes and the floor I'm mopping with 99.9% Mr Clean. Should I be doing more?

4). Finally I am photographing all stuff prior to pitching and documenting in a spreadsheet for my insurance claim. Very thankfully I took the extra basement rider. Should I be doing anything else?

I very, very, VERY much appreciate your read and/or any advice you can offer. We are doing well especially the kids. My wife a little concerned but we know we are very blessed.

 

[HeHateMe]

dehumidifiers up in that ***** for sure. bleach and water mixed sprayed on everything wet. you should pray too, because black mold is the worst and really toxic.

 

[Nail Polish]

Mold can be a problem..I'd suggest after everything is dry, to get a garden sprayer and mix 25% bleach with water, and spray everything down like the walls and floors etc...Then use fans and a dehumidifer till all the humidity is out... However, the insurance company should pay for the cleanup, and they know of professionals that will do a good job. Service Master comes to mind

Throw anything out that has absorbed water

 

[BNB]

Our basement has been flooded a few times and we just threw away things we knew were done. Like electrical devices or some rugs, clothes, shoes, etc. Everything else we cleaned with bleach and water.

Most of our basement doesn't have any drywall, but I wonder about that too.

 

[Nail Polish]

Our basement has been flooded a few times and we just threw away things we knew were done. Like electrical devices or some rugs, clothes, shoes, etc. Everything else we cleaned with bleach and water.

Most of our basement doesn't have any drywall, but I wonder about that too.

Drywall will be OK unless it is repeatedly flooded..Then its best to just rip it down

 

[Nail Polish]

Call your insurance company pronto..They might want to see the damage

 

[BIGGIEsmalls 23]

Brett, do you guys have two sump/ejector pumps with two separate pits?

My Opinion on the different numbered issues:

1)The wood studs & drywall will be fine because the water only existed for an hour max.

2) See #1 above. If you own a dehumidifier and/or plug-in heater, put them to use right now in the area that flooded.

3) Bleach....Lots of bleach.

4) Smart move. Hopefully your coverage includes more than just sewage backup. I've heard of people being denied when the flooding was weather-related.

 

[-Cago34-]

If all else fails, build an Ark

 

[HeHateMe]

If all else fails, build an Ark

this. and also realize this is God's retribution for quitting the CCS Build A Team mid-draft like a little *****.

 

[brett05]

1). Thanks

2). You all are having a better draft time without me

3). Insurance was called and they jumped on my claim right away. They said this is a covered expense because I took the rider for this. They want a comprehensive list and a few pics but not pics of everything we are pitching.

4). Would I need to bleach the concrete/cinder block or is the mr clean ok?

5). Should I bleach the studs and drywall and first stair riser where it got wet?

6). We bought a dehumidifier as well. It's doing an unbelievable job. Probably about two to three gallons of water in the 24 hours we've been running it. Only 1/3 of the basement cleaned so far but already that musty humid smell is basically gone.

7). We have two pits. The first pump died with the second pump rusted all the way. It had power but no suction. I want to brag about my neighbor. Hvac guy who came over 30 seconds after I knocked on the door. He's the reason I have an inch and not feet of water. I am getting something awesome Blackhawks related for him.

 

[NCChiFan]

1). Thanks

2). You all are having a better draft time without me

3). Insurance was called and they jumped on my claim right away. They said this is a covered expense because I took the rider for this. They want a comprehensive list and a few pics but not pics of everything we are pitching.

4). Would I need to bleach the concrete/cinder block or is the mr clean ok?

5). Should I bleach the studs and drywall and first stair riser where it got wet?

6). We bought a dehumidifier as well. It's doing an unbelievable job. Probably about two to three gallons of water in the 24 hours we've been running it. Only 1/3 of the basement cleaned so far but already that musty humid smell is basically gone.

7). We have two pits. The first pump died with the second pump rusted all the way. It had power but no suction. I want to brag about my neighbor. Hvac guy who came over 30 seconds after I knocked on the door. He's the reason I have an inch and not feet of water. I am getting something awesome Blackhawks related for him.

Stick with the Bleach on the cinder blocks. You getting seepage through the block? If so you could use something like Theroseal to solve that issue or other type of concrete type sealer. If it is coming up through the floor, again, that can be sealed as well. Any idea on how its getting into your basement? Oh, and double/triple check your pumps on a regular basis.. heh. Back up generator (have access to natural gas to feed it the generator?) incase power goes out?

 

[brett05]

It came from the pits when the pumps failed. First time for me on a failure and first time in 11 years of the home.

Sent from my SCH-I200 using Tapatalk

 

[BIGGIEsmalls 23]

Oh, and double/triple check your pumps on a regular basis.. heh. Back up generator (have access to natural gas to feed it the generator?) incase power goes out?

Agreed. These are very important points that you're bringing up.

A mobile unleaded gas operated generator is fine for temporary power, but someone needs to be present to operate it. What happens if you're out of town?

I know it's expensive, but the natural gas operated generator with the transfer switch is the way to go. The investment will definitely pay off. Here's an example below:

[video=youtube;dbLVGYW59PY]https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dbLVGYW59PY[/video]

 

[brett05]

How much does that run installed?

 

[Nail Polish]

Home generators are the shitz...We have one of those automatic switch over jobs with a transfer switch that activates after 15 seconds of no power...Worth their money IMO

 

[BIGGIEsmalls 23]

How much does that run installed?

You can purchase whatever model you prefer. The prices vary. Just Google for info on prices.

The overall price will depend on any permits that would be required by your city or suburb, plus the money that you spend on an Electrician & someone to run your gas line. Also, depending on your location, you may want to look into securing your unit via a cage over the new unit & concrete pad.

 

[Nail Polish]

How much does that run installed?

In 2002.I got mine on sale at Home Depot..It's a 10,000 kilowatt..It was a discontinued model for $2500.00 The larger ones are more of course..But if your house is already built, installation can be costly

 

[brett05]

Thx. For me it doesn't seem worth it until we decide to finish the basement

 

[brett05]

alrighty. Here's the last update on this. Took parts of almost two full weeks to clean, disinfect, and throw out about 1400 gallons of garbage. Insurance called yesterday and said we are entitled to our full amount and that the check would be mailed out yesterday afternoon.

it doesn't cover everything but I am very happy. Glory to God that it went this smooth.

Giving the kids a couple of bucks to do a mini shopping spree at Toys R Us to replace some lost stuff.

 

[Nail Polish]

Grats Brett...Clean livin pays off!!