If your basement floods, it’s crucial to take action as soon as possible to minimize the damage.
Here are 15 things you should do.
1. Call Your Insurance Company
Your first step should be to call your insurance company. Many policies cover basement flooding, but you’ll need to report the incident as soon as possible.
2. Cut off Power to your Basement
If there’s water in your basement, it’s a good idea to cut off power to the area. This will minimize the risk of electrical shock.
3. Shut Off the Water
If you can locate the shut-off valve for your basement, turn it off. This will help minimize the damage caused by the flood.
4. Remove Standing Water
Use a pump or buckets, mops, and towels to remove any standing water as quickly as possible. This will help prevent further damage and make cleanup easier.
5. Turn Off Furnace and HVAC Systems
If your furnace or HVAC system is located in the basement, turn them off until they can be inspected for damage.
6. Move Valuables upstairs
If you can, move valuable items and furniture to upper floors to protect them from water damage.
7. Do Not Use a Vacuum Cleaner on Electrical Devices
If you use your wet/dry vacuum cleaner to clean up the excess water, be sure to unplug it before using it. Otherwise, you could risk electrical shock.
8. Check Your Sump Pump
Make sure your sump pump is working properly and has enough water pressure to remove the floodwater.
9. Remove Excess Water with a Pump
You can use your sump pump to remove excess water. If you don’t have a sump pump, you can rent or buy a submersible electric pump to remove excess water from your basement.
10. Remove Damaged Items
If any items in your basement are damaged, remove them immediately. Do not try to clean or repair them until the basement has dried out.
11. Open Windows and Doors
If it’s warm outside, open windows and doors to allow air to circulate and help dry out your basement.
12. Call a Professional
If you’re not comfortable cleaning up the mess yourself, call a professional water damage restoration company. With their help, the job will be done quickly and safely.
13. Dispose of Hazardous Materials Properly
Any hazardous materials that were affected by the flood should be disposed of properly. Contact your local environmental agency for more information.
14. Monitor Conditions
Keep an eye on conditions in your basement, especially if it’s still wet. If moisture levels stay high, there’s a risk of mold growth.
15. Take These Precautions
To prevent flooding in the future, take these precautions:
- Install a sump pump.
- Seal cracks and holes in your basement walls and floors.
- Divert rainwater away from your home with gutters and downspouts.
- Regularly clear debris from your drains and storm sewers.
Is insurance coverage available for a flooded basement?
If the floodwater was caused by a natural catastrophe or groundwater, your insurance provider might refuse to pay for the losses. Most homeowner’s insurance policies only cover problems that occur within the property, such as broken pipes or sewage backups. Flood insurance is required to pay flood damage cleaning after a natural catastrophe such as heavy rain or a storm.
Why is my basement flooded?
Your basement can be flooded because of a lot of reasons, such as a broken pipe, faulty drainage system, or clogged sewer line. If you’re not sure what’s causing the issue, contact a professional for help.
A flooded basement can be tragic and costly. If you experience basement flooding, take these steps to minimize the damage and get your home back to normal as quickly as possible.