Flooding is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. The ugly truth is many people are not ready to deal with the aftermath, which makes the whole thing depressing. 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? Read on to find answers to this and other questions.
The Best Way to Deal with Flooding
Although a dehumidifier significantly reduces humidity levels in the space, it does not address the source of the problem. So if dampness and floods in your basement are more episodic, like after a rain or the dampness appears along wall and floor cracks, a dehumidifier will not help fix the issue.
The first thing you’d want to do is to get sump pumps. Yes, this is what you need to move out water fast. You can’t use a bucket or anything else to drain out the water. Sump pumps can drain out huge volumes of water. Once the water has been drained, you can mop up the place to remove any residue and water.
Flooding will recur if you don’t address issues that foster it. Check and fix faulty gutters, grade your landscape, repair foundation cracks, and unclog foot drains. Contact your local basement contractor to find out what else needs your attention and how you can benefit from other waterproofing solutions.
Controlling Humidity in the Basement
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. It sucks air from the basement into an inlet using a compressor and fan. Excess moisture is drawn from the air and condensed into the reservoir. The humidifier then releases dry air into the space.
Benefits of a Basement Dehumidifier
Prevents mold: A humid basement is not only uncomfortable, but it provides the perfect environment for mold and other bacteria to grow. Mold, mildew, dust mites, and bacteria thrive when the humidity levels are high. In such conditions, the bacteria expand quickly and spreads into your living space within 24 to 48 hours. This may cause health issues within your home. A dehumidifier keeps the moisture levels below 50%, preventing fungus from sneaking into your basement. This discourages mold and mildew growth.
Decreases dust and allergens: Most dehumidifiers come with air filters that clean up the air in your basement. Some can even trap bacteria and odor, potentially reducing allergy symptoms. Less dust also means you won’t have to clean this area as often.
Prevents structural damage: High humidity levels can foster cracks, causes wood to warp, corrodes metal, and fades upholstery. It can also damage window sills which are particularly vulnerable to rotting. Depending on the capacity of the dehumidifier, this device can remove tons of moisture from your basement per day. An energy-efficient model, for example, can remove almost 100 pints of water per day. Over time, that moisture can wreak havoc on your home’s structure.
Makes home energy efficient: A dehumidifier can help you save energy as it enables your air conditioner to run more efficiently by removing the moisture in your air. This, in turn, extends the air conditioning system’s lifespan by reducing wear and tear and minimizing maintenance.
Key features to look for when buying basement dehumidifier
- Self-draining: If your basement is very humid, you may want to invest in a dehumidifier that has a self-draining capacity. It can be directed to drain into your interior perimeter drainage system or sump pump. This will save 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? Schedule a free basement waterproofing inspection and our waterproofing professionals will recommend a solution that will serve you for a lifetime.
