Over the next two blogs, we’ll be discussing waterproofing emergencies. In this first part, what you can do at home, DIY, when disaster first strikes. And in the second part, when you should call in a professional team like South Jersey Waterproofing to help get things safe again!
Waterproofing emergencies can strike without warning, and the stories we’ve encountered over the decades of South Jersey Waterproofing’s history prove how devastating they can be.
Take the Smith family (you know…not their real name… but for the sake of this story and protecting their identity) in Cherry Hill, for example. After a relentless rainstorm in 2018, they awoke to find their basement ankle-deep in water. Acting quickly, they salvaged family heirlooms and used a wet/dry vacuum to remove as much water as possible. While quick thinking saved their belongings, they soon realized they needed professional help to address the root cause.
Similarly, the Johnsons of Voorhees (again, real name changed) faced a sudden foundation leak that sent water streaming into their living space. With towels and buckets, they managed to stop the immediate damage. These situations highlight that while DIY solutions can help initially, they’re rarely enough for long-term fixes.
Here are some steps you can take at home to minimize damage and keep your property safe:
- Assess the Situation: Identify where the water is coming from. Is it a small leak, or is water pooling significantly in your basement or crawl space?
- Move Items to Safety: Protect your belongings by moving furniture, electronics, and other valuables away from the water.
- Control Water Flow: To control minor water intrusion, use towels, mops, or a wet/dry vacuum. Consider using sandbags or diverting water flow with a plastic tarp for more substantial leaks.
- Inspect Your Gutters and Drains: Clear out clogs to ensure water is directed away from your home.
- Temporary Patching: Apply waterproof tape or sealant to small cracks and leaks as a stopgap measure.
These steps can help reduce immediate damage, but they’re not long-term solutions. Persistent issues require professional attention to avoid further problems, including mold and structural damage. In the following blog, we will take a look at situations when these above DIY fixes might not be enough. Sure, it’s good for a temporary fix, but they require a final resolution via an expert to make your home safe and secure again. For waterproofing services in New Jersey, call the team at South Jersey Waterproofing by clicking here today!
