Home Floods: Local experts offer tips on what to do and not do

Fight with the melting of snow due to warmer temperatures, some northern owners Utah with flooded basements.

The combination of snow and rain in the last days of melting resulted in a handful of flooded basements in the area, according to the National Weather Service hydrologist Brian McInerney.

According to the National Flood Insurance Program , although some areas are more at risk than others, almost every home has the potential of flooding.

One of the typical causes of flooding is overflowing canals and channels rainwater and blocked drains.

If the water is pushed out of the house, water collects inevitably and saturates the surrounding soil, said Jonas Harmon, an estimator of ARS Flood & Fire cleaning . The hydrostatic pressure forces the water in the soil eventually seep through the basement walls.

Extremely low temperatures, the pipes can freeze-thaw and finally could result in rupture the pipes, Harmon said.

Representatives of cleaning services local disasters offer tips on what to do (and not do) if your home floods suffers.

Harmon said owners should the heat when it is cold, protect pipes from freezing. If frozen, turn the water supply as soon as possible and call a plumber, important steps, he said.

Those who leave their homes vacant for more than two days should also turn off their water or run a faucet, protect pipes from freezing.

Harmon suggested that people check drain from home rainwater their gutters and secure an extension if needed.

When floods occur, homeowners can take steps to mitigate damage caused by water, said David Reich, Vice - President of Servpro in Ogden .

Try to stop the flow of water immediately, Rich said. This can be difficult with floods, but somehow can help help.

One of the best things that a flood victim professional help before looking for can do is, as much water as possible to get the affected area, Rich said. This can be done with a mop, bucket or vacuum cleaner.

Let the water for a short time are more time means in the wall to soak to repair more trouble and more work that defines the damage.

"I'm tickled pink when we show, and people have taken it upon themselves, as much water as they could remove," said Rich.

Rich also suggests owners as much as possible to remove the furniture in the basement or previous blocks support to keep dry.

Be sure that room in the sockets, cables and other equipment to avoid, are in contact with water, because they prevent a risk of severe shock. With common household vacuum cleaner to clean water is also dangerous.

Homeowners should also make sure that the flood are not always clean. Try it out, to avoid spread throughout the house and be sure to wash and exposed clothing hands.

Do as much work to professional cleaners seem a long way toward preventing future pain, how to replace pipes go, mold cleaning or tear the walls, the residents and their insurers will cost more head.

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