What is the ideal moment to drain the cellar?
If there's flooding in the cellar, be cautious about pumping out the water immediately. While it's tempting to get rid of it quickly to start cleaning, doing so during a flood could lead to more damage.
During a flood, it's important to be patient and not try to pump out water from the cellar. Karl-Heinz Banse, President of the German Fire Brigade Association (DFV), suggests that doing so could cause further problems. "During the flood, it's best not to pump out the cellar," he says.
There are several reasons for this. First, the sewer system might still be overloaded, causing the pumped-out water to flow back into the cellar. Second, pumping out the water could lead to an uneven distribution of pressure, potentially damaging the building's structure or even causing it to float. This could result in cracks in the floor slab or walls losing their load-bearing capacity. Banse even notes that "there have been cases where cellars had to be flooded again to prevent major damage."
However, it's also not ideal for the cellar to stay wet for too long. So, when can you start pumping out entire rooms? Banse suggests that this should happen after the flood has passed or "the crest of the wave has passed." It's recommended to consult with the local fire department for guidance.
If you have the necessary tools, such as a submersible pump and a hose, and a reliable power source, you may be able to remove the water yourself. Banse explains that the water can be channeled away if the surface drainage, like ditches, or the sewer system can still handle it. "But only if the water is not contaminated with oil or chemicals," he notes. In such cases, professionals should handle the situation. "If the water is contaminated, for example, by spilled fuels, the fire department must take care of it," Banse adds.
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After the flood has passed or "the crest of the wave has passed", it's recommended to consult with the local fire department before pumping out the cellar. During a storm, contaminated water from spilled fuels requires the expertise of the fire department for handling. Insurances often cover the cost of professional cleanup in such situations. A sharp increase in flood-related claims might lead real estate agents to recommend purchasing flood insurance. After witnessing significant damage from floods and storms, many consumers are now considering insuring their properties against such disasters.
