If you have had water damage in your home either from flooding or broken pipes, proper clean up can be a big task. Basements can be damp as it is, so cleaning up water damage can feel like a losing battle. Here are four tips for success when it comes to cleaning up a water damaged basement.

1. Safely Assessing Initial Damage

Document any initial damage to walls, carpeting, and furnishings in your basement. This is information that you can relay to water damage professionals and your insurance company. Bring in a light source that is plugged in at another area of the house or flashlights. It is important that you turn off the power and unplug all appliances that might be affected in the basement area for safety.

2. Pull Out All Damaged Materials

Once you know how bad the damage is, you will need to completely clear out your basement. If there are furnishings or mementos that you are hoping to salvage, be sure to let damage contractors know to remove items with care so that you can decide what can be saved. You might need an entire dumpster for carpeting, padding and damaged housewares. Have a tarp set aside for items you would like to assess.

3. Take the Time to Dry Out

Even if you want to quickly fix your basement and move on, it is important that you take the time to let the area dry out once your basement is cleared out and water is cleaned up. Don't get impatient and start repainting or laying carpet to a space that might still be damp below, even if dry to the touch. Make sure to have your space reassessed by water damage professionals who can give you the green light to start getting your basement back in action.

4. Fix The Underlying Problem

If your basement flood came from a broken pipe or a faulty water heater, this isn't the time for a quick temporary fix. If most fixtures and pipes in your home were installed at the same time, get these thoroughly checked and replaced if needed. Be sure that any continued plumbing issues are fixed so that your basement will hopefully stay dry for years to come.

Once a basement flood is detected, make sure to act fast and get water damage professionals in quickly to remedy the problem. Getting your basement back to normal can be a big job, so make sure that you take all of the right steps in the process. For more information, contact a local water damage restoration company like Accutech Restoration.