Cleaning flooded basements after snow melts

Residents of Utah are no strangers to long periods of winter snowfall.

Winters in Weber County can be unforgiving, but with historic snow levels this year, many homeowners and property managers will be bracing themselves for potential flood damage as rain and rising temperatures melt Utah's snowpack.

Flooding can be devastating. And, as the lowest part of any home, basements are always the most susceptible to flood damage.

For properties currently at risk of flooding, here are a few tips from the water damage restoration professionals at Swift Restoration and Remodeling to help combat it.

Move fallen snow away from foundations

After heavy snowfall, it’s important to be proactive. Allowing snow to sit where it fell can be a recipe for disaster.

The snow itself might not pose problems, but when it melts, a building may be exposed to a serious flood risk.

The potential for snow melt to cause flooding depends on various factors, including the amount of snow, the rate of melt and the topography of the area. In low-lying or poorly-drained areas, or where the ground is already saturated from previous precipitation, the risk of flooding due to snow melt is even higher.

While the accumulation of snow around a property is mostly unavoidable, it’s important to get out and tackle it where possible to avoid water intrusion, especially into basements.

Snow buildup around window wells or downspouts should be removed as soon as possible. Likewise, on low-hanging roofs. This is because gutters and traditional drainage systems are not designed to handle snow - only rain. So, as it melts, the water makes its way slowly down the walls, finding any way possible to enter a property.

It’s also important not to allow snow buildup around window wells or downspouts. 

Additionally, when moving snow from walkways and driveways, keep the snow at least three feet back from the foundation of the building.

Shoveling the snow into the street could also result in problems as it can block the primary drains, resulting in backflow into the basement.

Checklist for a dry basement

Flooding often strikes with little or no warning. So, when you have the luxury of being able to anticipate it, you should always take steps to protect property and belongings.

Here is a checklist to help ensure a dry basement before floods arrive:

• Inspect windows, walls and floors of a basement (and foundation) for cracks, gaps, or other openings. Melting snow around the walls of a building’s foundation instantly raises the chance of water intrusion, so seal up any gaps using an appropriate sealant.
• Install a sump pump. Or, if there already is one, make sure it’s working correctly and that it has a battery backup to ensure water is removed from the basement in the event of a power outage. 
• Make sure gutters and downspouts are clean and functioning properly. Avoid backups and ensure that water is directed away (ideally several feet) from the foundation.
• Check the grading around the building. Twice the amount of water can pool up in and around the basement if the yard is not graded correctly. Ensure the ground slopes away from the foundation to prevent water from pooling near the foundation walls.
• Install window well covers to prevent water from accumulating in the window well.
• Consider installing a water alarm that will sound an alert if water begins to accumulate in the basement. This is particularly useful for when a property is unoccupied or if the area is susceptible to sudden flash flooding.
• Elevate important items and valuables, placing them on higher shelves or storing them in waterproof containers.
• Check yards and driveways for proper drainage so that water is prevented from pooling.

Professional flood cleanup in Ogden UT

However, despite best efforts to prevent flooding caused by melting snow, sometimes very little can be done.

Finding a basement filled or filling with water can be a very distressing experience. But quick action can help to limit the damage and get a property back to its original condition.

To deal with a flooded basement correctly and efficiently, call in water damage restoration experts as soon as possible. After all, the most significant damage is often caused in the first 24 hours.

Serious water damage can threaten a building’s structural integrity; the more time that passes, the more expensive this may prove to be to repair.

By calling in professionals, they can immediately set to work mitigating potential health risks posed by contaminated water, mold and mildew, and restoring the property.

Flood cleanup experts will generally follow a set procedure:

1. Identify the source of the water which, in the case of melting snow, is generally a leak in a wall, floor or window.
2. Isolate and address any leaks. 
3. Remove standing water using vacuums and pumps.
4. Search for damage to paneling, drywall, flooring or subflooring. If the damage is substantial, these, along with carpets and upholstery, will need to be removed to prevent mold growth.
5. The remaining area must then be dried out as soon as possible. With industrial fans and dehumidifiers, this can be achieved within a couple of days. 
6. Once completely dry, affected areas must be cleaned, sanitized and deodorized to kill any bacteria or fungi that had begun to germinate.
7. Once everything receives the all-clear, the restorer will take care of any necessary repairs to walls, floors, ceilings or the foundation. 



About Swift Restoration and Remodeling

Swift Restoration and Remodeling’s professional damage restoration experts can help with any water damage or flood cleanup problem.

Thanks to specialized equipment and their timely and targeted approach, there’s no reason to fear the effects of the heavy snowfall across Utah this winter.

With experienced and qualified technicians on standby 24/7, help can quickly be on the scene of a flood in Weber Country and the greater Salt Lake City area, allowing work to restore a property to its pre-loss condition to start ASAP.

Call (385) 412-8633 now for more information and help with protecting properties from melting snow.