How to Dry Out a Wet Basement

When you’re faced with a wet basement, no matter what the cause, it can be particularly heartbreaking. All manner of personal possessions will be ruined. The first thing you have to do is dry out the basement and this can be a big task. However, you need to do it before you can investigate the source of the water there.

Step One - How Deep is the Water?

Before you can dry out the basement properly, you will need to get rid of all the water. Where there’s deep standing water, you’ll need a pump to get it out of the house. Rent one from a tool rental store or buy one from a DIY store. If there are just puddles of water, a wet-dry vac should be sufficient to take care of the problem. When there’s just a tiny amount of water, a mop and squeegee will be adequate. When the basement is damp but there’s no standing water, open the basement window and use a fan.

Step Two - Removing Damaged Items

The water will most likely have caused damage to items in the basement even if it’s not immediately apparent. If the basement is carpeted, remove all the carpeting and underlay then throw it away. it is highly unlikely that it can be salvaged.

If there’s a wooden floor with an underlay, take it all up. Take the wood out to the garage to dry and throw away the underlay, since you won’t be able to re-use it.

If there’s drywall or paneling in the basement, remove that too. It’s a magnet for mold and mildew. Where there’s been contact with water, you’ll need to replace entire panels and not just sections. Go all the way to the studs. Don’t try to save any of it as this will be a false economy that could leady to a moldy, mildewed basement later on.

Take out all the furniture and clothing until the basement is empty. Clothes and covers should be washed then dried, either in a tumble dryer or in the sun.

Step Three - Drying the Basement

Even with the water gone, the basement will still be damp. You’ll need to run a dehumidifier for several days to ensure it becomes completely dry. Until the basement is thoroughly dry, don’t attempt to make any repairs or replace items.

If you have a wood floor with no underlay in the basement, inspect for any signs of buckling and replace any planks that need it.

Step Four - Checking the Basement

When the basement has been completely dry for a week, inspect it carefully for any signs of mold and mildew, especially on the wall studs or other porous material. If you see any, replace the item. This is the only way to keep the mold from the basement.

Step Five - Find the Source of the Leak

The leak that caused your wet basement could come from any number of sources, such as a burst pipe or a leaking washing machine. However, it could be a crack in the foundation or high water table. It’s important to find the cause of the leak and fix it before you repair the basement. If you’re not sure of the reason, employ a professional to determine the root cause.