Use Caution When Pumping Out Flooded Basements
Release Date: July 11, 2003
Release Number: 1474-36
» More Information on West Virginia Severe Storms, Flooding and Landslides
Charleston, WV -- As a result of the recent storms and flooding, many West Virginians are finding their basements flooded. Although they may be anxious to remove the unwanted water quickly, state and federal officials encourage residents to use caution when pumping out basements. Removing all of the water at once may cause serious structural damage to the house.
Draining the water too fast could cause the collapse of the cellar walls, floors, and foundation of the house. The water must be drained slowly to equalize pressure on both sides of the wall.
Although flood waters may have receded, water still in the ground outside your house may be pushing hard against the outside of your basement walls. The water in your basement is pushing back. If you drain your basement faster than the water in the ground is draining, the outside pressure may be greater than the inside pressure causing the foundation or the floor to crack or collapse.
To avoid serious damage, collapse or injury, the Federal Emergency Management Agency and the West Virginia Office of Emergency Services recommend the following procedures when pumping water from a basement:
- First, turn off the electricity to the basement.
- Begin pumping when floodwaters are no longer covering the ground outside.
- Pump out two to three feet of water. Mark the water level and wait overnight.
- Check the water level the next day. If the level went back up (covered your mark), it is still too early to drain your basement.
- Wait 24 hours and then pump the water down two to three feet again. Check the level the next day.
- When the water in the basement stops rising, only pump out two to three feet of water daily until all the water is out of the basement.
"We know that people are anxious to begin cleaning up," said Federal Coordinating Officer Louis Botta. "But, we urge caution because the expense of rebuilding collapsed walls could be more than the cost of clean-up from the flood."
After draining your basement, disinfect the floors and walls with a soapy water and bleach rinse to remove any bacteria left by floodwaters. Also check your electrical wiring, ductwork and water system for damages or contamination.
Last Modified: Friday, 11-Jul-2003 13:36:03