Will a Dehumidifier Help With A Flooded Basement?

As perturbing as it is, standing water and basement flooding, like what is pictured here, will jolt you out of your comfort zone.

Whatever the cause – burst pipes, torrential rains, or subsurface water – the aftermath should make you rethink how you approach basement waterproofing. This includes the use of dehumidifiers.

Will a dehumidifier help with water and flooding in your basement? Since dehumidifiers don’t actively remove water, you may not see the sense of using them when your primary concern is to eject water. But when humidity levels go through the roof, you’ll appreciate the role these devices play.

Let’s explore how to get water out of your basement after a flood, what part basement dehumidifiers play in the process, and how experienced professionals at Ohio Basement Systems can help.

Ejecting Water from the Basement

When the basement floods, the first essential step is to remove the water. A wet vac and sump pump will come to the rescue here, and you can buy or rent them. If the water levels are higher than five feet, it’s best to call a professional like a restoration company.

Sump pumps are installed in the lowest part of the basement, and they work by moving water out of the home. Without these devices and interior drainage in place, water can seep through the ground and get into your home. Soak up the residue with a sponge or cloth once you eject water.

Moisture is Still An Issue Post-Flood

Just because you’ve dried up the floor doesn’t mean your basement is completely free of moisture. The truth is moisture is lurking in the air above, and problems will occur if there is minimal air movement and insufficient dehumidification.

High humidity levels can foster mold growth and other undesirable effects. Any further delay and the water-damaged structure can suffer secondary damage, especially if dehumidification is curtailed or limited.

Books and papers will get damp, doors and drywall may warp, wallpapers can peel, and metal can rust. Plus, if the air remains stagnant, the drying process could take longer than anticipated.

Drying up the basement air

Because moisture levels will increase, your next objective after removing stagnant water is to dry up the basement and the air. Drying this space also helps the home dry faster.

Dehumidifiers and special fans will come in handy. What they do is pull out damp and humid air from your basement and pass it through coils where it condenses before passing it out as water.

Ideally, a flooded basement should have at least one air mover within 10 feet of damp walls. If the room has fans, the dehumidifier should also be able to handle the volume of moisture that’s going to be put into the air.

Cranking up the heat won’t speed up the drying process. It just makes the wet air hot.

To dry up the basement effectively, use high-volume fans and dehumidifiers. Fans help vaporize the water while dehumidifiers suck and pull the vapor out of the air. When you combine both, you can dry up your basement in less than a day.

Other Basement Water Removal Tips

When dealing with a basement flood, here are other helpful tips to tackle the problem and dry out your basement fast.

• Shut off electricity and gas. If unsure, call your local technician.
• Ensure floor drains are open and functional.
• Shut off water from the main pipe.
• Remove basement carpeting as soon as possible.
• Open doors and windows for ventilation.
• Clean basement walls and floor.
• Remove any dirt or mud left behind by water.
• Remove damaged or wet drywall and insulation.
• Apply anti-mildew to the basement floors and walls.

Invest In Professional Basement Waterproofing

Along with immediate cleanup and moisture management, it’s essential to protect your home from water intrusion and flooding. The best way to do that is with professionally installed basement waterproofing solutions. At Ohio Basement Systems, we offer solutions that are fully customizable to fit exactly what your basement needs. Along with dehumidifiers, these solutions include:

• Interior drainage systems
• Sump pumps
• Battery backup pumps
• Wall vapor barriers
• Dehumidifiers

All these products are designed to work together to give your basement the complete protection it deserves.

A Look at Trusted Dehumidifiers

The same can be said for our dehumidifiers, which are not just dehumidifiers, but comprehensive air systems. Here are some key features that set our units apart:

• Energy-efficient
• Self-draining
• Ductable
• Removes 100 pints of water per day
• Cleans and filters the air
• Reduces odors

Trust OBS For Your Basement Waterproofing Needs

Flooding and humidity are very real dangers for homes in Greater Cleveland and Northern Ohio. Don’t wait until parts of our area go underwater or for a burst pipe to compel you to take action.

The pros at Ohio Basement Systems can help you address basement flooding and protect your home for good. Schedule a free basement waterproofing inspection and discover how you can lock out moisture and keep your home dry.