Spring may be drawing to a close, but that doesn’t mean that the risk of flooding has ended. For proof, look no further than the severe thunderstorm that hit the Greater Toronto Area in July 2013, which dumped 90 millimetres of rain in 90 minutes and led to millions of dollars in damage.
April may be over, but that doesn’t mean that there’s an end to showers. If your basement is flooded, whether it’s due to heavy rain or a plumbing leak, call on Flood Services Canada, the leading provider of flood cleanup in Toronto and the surrounding areas.
There are steps our clients can take following a flood and before we arrive to take care of cleanup and minimize the risk to their family and damage to the structure of their home. Damage due to flooding can lead to a number of health issues, as well as affecting the value of the home.
Flood water on basement floors can create a hazard if there are any exposed electrical cords. Additionally, water can also drown the pilot light on your furnace, leading to a dangerous buildup of natural gas. If you have any containers that contain dangerous chemicals, such as cleaning liquids, check them to make sure they are not leaking. And if your furnace, water heaters, or other appliances were affected, have them inspected before switching them back on.
It is absolutely important that you get all the water out of your basement as quickly as possible. This can save you thousands of dollars on repairs, but even if you are not covered, remove the water as quickly as possible. Note that Flood Services Canada offers discounts for customers who do not have insurance.
Try to find the source of the flooding and either block it off or divert it. As one of the top providers of flood cleanup in Toronto, we will take care of the source of flooding in your home and will provide you with emergency service. If there is any water coming in from a sewer drain, it should be dealt with by a professional due to the possible presence of harmful bacteria.
Prior to Flood Services Canada coming to your home for flood cleanup in Toronto, try to remove any furniture and carpeting from the affected area; wood stains cannot be removed from carpet once they set in. If your basement is finished, you will need professional assistance for cleanup—we will take care of mould before it has a chance to form. This is another reason why it is imperative to call us for flood cleanup in Toronto immediately following your basement being flooded.
Flooding can also be prevented by installing or replacing downspouts and gutters and making sure that they are sloping away from your house to keep water away from your house’s foundation.
And most importantly, Flood Services Canada advises clients to leave this up to the professionals! If you attempt to clean up after a flood, $10,000 worth of damage can lead to a $50,000 mould removal project, as well as all the health risks that mould carries.
Source:
“Tips for dealing with flooded basements,” Ohio.com, May 13, 2014; http://www.ohio.com/news/tips-for-dealing-with-flooded-basements-1.487645.
