Basement Flooding Cleanup

Providing flooded basement cleanup services to Bozeman, MT and the Greater Yellowstone area.

Basements are areas that have a lot of home remodeling potential. However, before you can start developing your basement, you may want to check its surroundings for signs of stagnating water and moisture. Since the basement is located on the lowest level of your property, there isn't any immediate route for water to escape. The moment any floodwater infiltrates your basement, a good amount of moisture and wetness will remain even days after the disaster occurred. Though you may use common cleaning techniques to initially remove the water, that won't be enough to fully free your basement from water damage.

When water isn't removed or it's left untreated, it becomes contaminated. Contaminated water carries all sorts of bacteria and viruses, and as a result, leads to several problems that affect the condition of your property and your health. If your basement absorbs and accumulates high volumes of contaminated water, you'll encounter the following:

Leaks in your basement walls and floors
Intense and rapid mildew and mold growth
Severe wood rotting
Putrid odors
Structural weakening of your basement
Water-loving insect and critter infestation

You can prevent these disasters from appearing in your basement by simply contacting Buffalo Restoration for help. Our full-service restoration company in Montana offers excellent water damage restoration services which include professional basement flooding cleanup.

Professional Cleaning Makes a Big Difference

Cleaning your basement after a flood can get tough, especially when you're unprepared. Depending on the size and condition of your basement, it could take you hours or even days to finish the job. Without the necessary cleaning equipment, you might not be able to get rid of the remaining water completely. You also have a higher risk of using the wrong cleaning techniques which may spread the water damage even further. Instead of dealing with all the stress that comes with basement cleaning, let Buffalo Restoration handle the task.

We've been in the restoration business since 1991, so we know exactly how to take care of your water damage problems properly. Cleaning your basement is one of the many ways we can eliminate flooding from your property. With our state-of-the-art cleaning equipment combined with our expertise, we are certain your basement will become spotless again in no time. Additionally, our fully licensed and certified technicians will check every corner of your property to address any early signs of secondary water damage.

If you want us to take care of your flooded basement, contact Buffalo Restoration at (406) 306-0501 for an estimate. Our services are available to properties in the Bozeman, MT area.

Why Choose Buffalo Restoration?

After hours emergency calls go directly to one of our local staff members, not a call center or voicemail.
We've invested in the best equipment. Our state of the art technology allows us to save more of your hardwood floor, drywall, and carpet. That means you'll save money and time.
We invest thousands of dollars in certifications for our technicians. You can have the peace of mind that your home or business is returned to pre-loss condition with our experienced staff.
We have 30 years of experience working cooperatively with insurance companies. That experience and our relationships help guide you through the claims process.

For all your water damage restoration needs, call Buffalo Restoration at (406) 306-0501.

Our Water Damage Restoration Process

1. Evaluation

We'll use state of the art inspection techniques such as thermal imaging cameras and moisture meters to assess the level of moisture in the drywall, carpet, padding, and sub floor. Then we'll share our findings with you and explain them so that you understand. We'll give recommendations so you can decide what to do next.

2. Drying Process

Next we'll start the drying process which may include hardwood flooring drying systems, desiccant or refrigerant dehumidifiers, wall cavity drying equipment, truck-mounted extraction equipment for in-place drying, and turbo drying fans. After we've set up our drying equipment, we'll monitor the moisture and make adjustments to maximize the drying.

3. Reconstruction

Depending on the extent of the damage, some reconstruction may be required. Our one-stop shop can take your project from start to finish and put everything back together again, cleaner and better than ever.

What To Do If Your Basement Floods

Before you do anything, it's important that you shut off any power sources associated with your flooded basement. If you're unsure how to shut off the power to your basement, call an electrician before you enter the space and start cleaning up.

Next, you'll want to determine the source of the water. If your flooded basement was caused by heavy rain or stormwater, wait until the storm has passed before you start repairing your basement. If the water was caused by something else, like a burst water pipe in your home, take action as soon as you notice your basement is flooding.

If you're not sure how your basement flooded, call a professional for help. Your best bet will be a plumbing contractor, a basement waterproofing company, or a disaster restoration specialist.

Consider Volume and Source

If you're thinking about trying to do the cleanup on your own, you'll want to consider the volume and the water source. A tiny patch of clean water is usually something that can be handled on your own, but a basement flooded with sewage needs to be handled by a professional. It's important to remember that even small amounts of water can hide in cracks and crevices and within porous materials, creating the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew if not dried completely. As far as the water source, if the water is grey or black, it should never be handled on your own. These waters contain contaminants that need to be properly cleaned to ensure the safety of the home and everyone in it.

If you've determined that the issue is beyond the scope of your ability to handle, it's time to contact your insurance company. You'll want to find out what kind of coverage you have for the loss and what your deductible is. If you decide to file a claim, you'll be assigned an adjuster to handle it. Your insurance company often puts you in touch with a preferred restoration vendor, but sometimes they'll advise you to find one on your own.

A restoration professional, such as Buffalo Restoration, will be able to work directly with your insurance company and you to ensure the job is done properly. A project manager or technician will assess the damage and help determine the most appropriate course of action. Standing water will be extracted, and drying equipment will be set right away, so the damage doesn't become worse. Once everything is dry, unsalvageable materials will be removed and everything else will be cleaned and sanitized to prepare for reconstruction.

Appliance Maintenance Tips

Simple sump pump maintenance prevents flooding, water damage, and more

Why Sump Pump Maintenance Matters

Basement water damage is widespread during the spring and summer. This is because the thawing snow saturates the ground, and when it starts raining, the ground can't absorb any more water, so the excess ends up flowing on the surface. When this occurs, your only hope against flooding is a functioning sump pump, as it will move water out fast and prevent water damage. Sump pump maintenance is critical to creating and keeping a dry basement. Keep reading to learn how to spot a faulty sump pump and learn some general care tips. Here are some signs you have a faulty sump pump that needs replacing.

Signs of a Faulty Pump

Irregular cycling — If your pump keeps cycling on and off, even in wet conditions, something is wrong. It could be an incorrectly adjusted float switch that's making the pump actuate when a little water enters the sump pit. Another common reason is wiring malfunctions. If the pump starts and stops abruptly, a shortage in the electrical system could be the issue.
Unusual noises — Mechanical sounds coming from your sump pump could indicate worn or damaged parts. If the motor noise is excessive, chances are the bearing has failed. Rattling sounds or grinding noises may mean a jammed impeller.
Excessive vibration when running — If the pump shakes excessively when on, it could wobble and fall on its side. Your biggest worry should be the hard debris that could have been sucked in as it could damage or bend the impeller.
Visible rust — A brownish substance can form on corroded battery terminals. Rust feeds off the iron in water, causing discoloration. In some cases, a gel-like substance can clog the sump pump and the plumbing.
Motor failure — The fault arises from an internal wiring failure in most cases. If the pump is getting power but still is not working, the problem could be an internal electrical problem. Make sure the pump is plugged in properly before you investigate other issues.
Pump runs continuously but doesn't eject water — It's possible the pump doesn't have enough horsepower to handle a large volume of water or move it out for a certain distance. Correct pump sizing can resolve this issue. Your plumber or basement waterproofing professional who installed the system will look at pipe diameters, reservoir dimensions, and plumbing pathways as well as elbows.

In most cases, fixes are simple and revolve around discharge, electrical connection, water intake, and switch mechanisms.

Sump Pump Care Tips

While not every home in Greater Yellowstone has a basement, those that do require extra care and attention, regular maintenance can avert water issues and emergency plumbing situations. Here are useful tips to keep your basement sump pump in peak performance.

Be sure to pour water into the sump pit to test your sump pump. Anytime you do this, your pump should come on, eject the water, and shut off shortly thereafter. Get rid of dirt, sand, grease, gravel, and debris by cleaning your pump. Regular cleaning will boost the pump's efficiency.

Get a battery-powered backup pump if the main sump pump fails due to mechanical defects or power outages. Also, replace worn-out parts of the sump pump. Your local plumber or basement waterproofing specialist should be able to guide you.

Here are additional recommendations that might help you keep the sump pump operational for many years:

Unplug the primary pump and test the backup pump to ensure it is functioning properly.
Check the float switch to make sure it's not restricted.
Clean the air holes in the pump's discharge line.
Listen for unusual noises when the motor is on.
Replace the battery on the backup device every 2-3 years.