I started a load of laundry and apparently the drain tube had come out and it ran most of the water from the load onto the floor.. We have the interlocking floor tiles but there are gaps and in a couple areas I could hear water squishing under the floor as I walked on it. What do I need to do?
What to do about water under interlocking floor
floodingfloor
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Before you jump too far, you should figure out the exact source of the water. When you're talking about puddles and streams, I'm thinking leaks and cracks, and not moisture coming through the concrete.
To check for moisture in the concrete, tape a large square piece of clear vinyl down using duct tape (at least a foot square) at a time when the floor is very dry. Leave it for a while, and if there is any water or moisture in it, you'll know it's coming through the concrete.
The problem is that if you have any amount of moisture coming through that way, anything you stick to the floor (like vinyl tiles) will be disrupted by it: it will get in the adhesive from the tiles, and they'll eventually all come unstuck.
Another source of water is cracks and leaks around windows, the joint between the floor/walls, etc. On a rainy day, you may be able to see water coming in, and you may just be able to spot these (especially cracks) visually. There are different ways to fix these problems, depending on exactly what it is.
Yet another common source is by an overflowing sump pit, which is just what it sounds like it. If you have a pit, and your pump is not working, or can't keep up, obviously that water has to go somewhere. It's also a very good idea to have a secondary battery-backed pump if you have a basement prone to flooding. Since you didn't mention this in the question, it's probably not the problem.
Assuming you have fixed any all-out leaks, and are just dealing with water wicking through the concrete, a product like Subflor or DeltaFL (available at any big box stores) would probably be the best choice, if you're really intent on having some kind of flooring (eg, using the basement as a finished room). It's basically a plastic membrane with dimples in it, which leaves about 3/8" of an air gap for drying, and also provides some insulation for the floor above. Subflor comes in 2x2' tiles with OSB attached, and DeltaFL comes in rolls, and you put plywood or OSB sheets on top, or you can install hardwood or laminate directly on top (deltaFL also acts as a vapour barrier).
It's really hard to say what will be available to you locally - so many products vary by location.
The product you are looking for is definitely out there. The first one that came up in a search at HomeDepot Canada says it will setup for tiles in 4hrs and other floor coverings in 14hrs.
Ask around at your home renovation stores and building supply vendors to see what is available.
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Best Answer
We had to remove the flooring as there was no easier way to prevent mold underthe flooring. Then run a dehumidifier until the floor no longer smells muggy and wet. then replace new flooring. That was our experience.