Should I Buy a Basement Dehumidifier After a Flood?

A flooded basement is every homeowner’s worst nightmare. Belongings are ruined, things smell funny, and it’s a devastating and discouraging event.

The ugly truth is many people are not ready to deal with the aftermath. Like everyone who’s affected, your biggest concern would be to get water out of the basement fast and effectively.

Fortunately, there are a couple of things you can do to drain out the water. Don’t go for the dehumidifier just yet. And speaking of dehumidification, is it really necessary and helpful when the basement floods?

We’ll cover how to handle basement flooding and what part a dehumidifier plays in the process.

Although a dehumidifier significantly reduces humidity levels in the basement, it does not address the source of the problem. So, if dampness and floods in your basement are more episodic, like after rain, or if dampness appears along wall and floor cracks, a dehumidifier will not help fix the issue.

The first thing you’ll want to do is to get sump pumps to move out water fast. Sump pumps can drain out huge volumes of water, unlike buckets or other methods. Once the water has been drained, you can mop up the basement floor to remove any residue and water.

It’s likely that moisture will have started building up in the air around the basement. And humidity levels will go up with every single day that water sits on your floor.

To address the moisture issues, get a basement dehumidifier. It’s going to help you bring down moisture levels in your basement.

Here’s how it works. The unit sucks air from the basement into an inlet using a compressor and fan. Excess moisture is drawn from the air and condensed. The humidifier then releases dry air into the space.

2. Decreases Dust and Allergens

Most dehumidifiers come with air filters that clean the air in your basement. Some can even trap bacteria and odors, potentially reducing allergy symptoms. Less dust also means you won’t have to clean this area as often.

• Self-draining: If your basement is very humid, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier with a self-draining capacity. It can be directed to drain into your interior perimeter drainage system or sump pump. This saves you from needing to empty the machine manually.
• Filter indicator: A filter indicator reminds you when you need to clean or replace your air filter.
• Auto-humidistat: This feature senses the moisture level in the air, then automatically turns on and off depending on the prevailing conditions.

Looking for a lasting solution to basement flooding? As you can see, having reliable basement water management solutions in place will save your basement and your sanity.

At Indiana Foundation Service, we can help you with all your basement waterproofing needs, from interior drains and sump pumps to dehumidifiers and vapor barriers.

Schedule a free basement waterproofing inspection and our waterproofing professionals will recommend solutions custom-fit to your home’s needs that will serve you for a lifetime.