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Cleaning the Basement
While you are working with the customer service
representative on your damaged property list, the cleanup contractor
will begin cleaning your basement. MSD’s
cleanup contractors are experienced, insured and certified in water damage
restoration by the Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification
(IICRC). They will follow all standard practices for professional water damage
restoration, as set forth and established by the IICRC.
The cleanup contractors will conduct the following activities:
- Relocate undamaged property
- Remove contents that cannot be cleaned and saved
- Clean items that can be cleaned and saved, and relocate
- Extract water from your basement, if any remains
- Remove wet carpeting, padding, floor tile or other damaged flooring
- Remove saturated drywall or paneling
- Clean appliances such as refrigerators, washer, dryer, etc.
- Clean and disinfect walls and floors
The cleanup technicians use cleaning solutions, disinfectants, high-pressure
sprayers, and vacuum water extraction equipment to clean and sanitize
areas that have come into contact with the sewage. In some cases, an
electronic air cleaner may be brought in to remove dust, dirt, and microscopic
particles that become airborne during the moving and handling of items
in your basement.
Damaged wallboard, paneling and wood studs will be cut out and removed by the cleaning crew. If the walls are wet, but not damaged, they will be cleaned and restoratively dried.
If the water was more than a few inches deep during the flood, it may have affected your furnace or water heater. Check them to make sure they are functioning properly. MSD will not clean or remove these items. If repairs are needed, you can submit the repair bill with your damage claim for consideration.
Children and elderly members of your household should not use the basement until the affected area is cleaned and dried.
What MSD’s Cleaning Assistance Does Not Include
- Laundering or Drycleaning: MSD’s service does not include laundering or dry cleaning of clothing, bedding or small rugs. If items like these have been in contact with the sewage, they can be bagged and set aside for you to launder or clean later, or they can be removed and disposed by the cleaning crew.
- Hazardous Wastes: This program specifically excludes the removal of hazardous waste from flooded basements. Examples of such materials include asbestos floor tile, paints and solvents, and some cleaning chemicals. If such materials are present, MSD’s cleanup contractor will not remove them.
- Mold and Mildew: MSD’s cleanup services are not designed or intended to remove or remediate mold and mildew. They are designed to remove only the water and residues associated with the sewage backup, plus any personal property or building materials that were damaged by the flood. Nevertheless, some mold and mildew on water-damaged building materials or contents may be incidentally removed from your property as part of the overall cleanup effort. No warranty, either express or implied, is provided with respect to the removal, remediation, or control of these natural biological agents.
