Basement Flood? Do These Things First!

If you have a basement flood, you need to act quickly. But, what do you do first?! In situations like these, there are probably a million thoughts racing through your head. Take solace in the fact that nothing can be done while water is rising. Read through this article and formulate your plan of action.

Safety First

Even if it’s clean water that is flooding your basement, you need to take caution. A basement flood can be more dangerous than you think. First, do not ever go into the basement while water is still flowing. Second, do not walk through a basement flood if the water is higher than an electrical outlet. This can cause the water to become charged and it can electrocute you.

If the basement flood is sewage, from a natural disaster, or other things that are considered category 2 and 3 water damage. Do not go in at all! The water can cause harm to you, and a professional will have the knowledge and equipment to handle it properly.

Turn Off Utilities

In a basement flood, one of the first things you should do is cut the power and water off. However, a lot of the time your water main and power breaker are in the basement. If that is the case then you will need to call your utility company. Again, due to safety reasons, this is a job for a professional to handle. If your water shut-off and power breaker are not in your basement, and a flood-free zone, then you should turn them off immediately.

If the basement flood is not caused by a pipe burst or any other plumbing disaster then, unless advised, you can keep your water on.

Find the Source

Sometimes a cause for a basement flood is obvious, like a natural disaster or a sewage backup. However, sometimes it is not as obvious. If you notice a pressure drop in your water levels elsewhere that generally means it is a leak or burst pipe. If it’s raining cats and dogs outside then you could have issues with your gutters or your lawn grading. The source might not be something found right away, and if you are unsure of what it could be then it might be wise to also shut the water off.

Call Your Home Insurance

Coverage for a basement flood depends on your insurance policies. Some cover for things like pipe bursts and other in-home causes, but don’t cover natural disasters unless you have a separate plan. Either way, it is best to give them a call after utilities are off. Make sure to document everything. Not just pictures of the flood and the damage. Make lists of items that were damaged and their replacement costs. It is also important to keep any sort of receipt or document for any of the professionals you call in. These are all extremely important for claims and reimbursement. Your insurance company will give you more details on that.

Clear Water and Wet Items Out

After insurance is called, and the basement flood has stopped, the next step is to clear out the water. If it isn’t too much water then a shop vacuum and some towels might be enough to get it cleared up. However, if there are inches or feet of water, you’ll need some professional assistance. You’ll also need some if the water goes over any electrical outlets. They will be able to clear any water you have and then get to work on drying.

After the water is cleared out, you’ll want to clear everything out of your basement. We mean everything. From boxes to furniture to flooring. Unless it is currently plugged into the wall, it needs to come out. Call the electrician back after the water is cleared to ensure the safety of unplugging appliances and technology.

Weather permitting, it is best to dry everything out in the sun. The quicker things can be taken out and dried, the more chance you have of saving everything. Keep in mind there are going to be things that even after they dry are damaged beyond repair. Make sure to note everything that is damaged and needs to be replaced.

Air It Out

After everything is taken out, it is important to dry out the walls and floors after a basement flood. The quicker you can get it dry the less likely that mold will be an issue. Mold can cause serious health issues for your family. Any mold that pops up will need to be remediated immediately. The best way to do this is to open windows and doors and bring in fans and dehumidifiers. This will keep the airflow going through the home. A dehumidifier is the opposite of a humidifier. Instead of providing moisture to the air, it sucks out the moisture. This is crucial in stopping mold growth after a basement flood.

Call in the Professionals

Most likely you will need to call in a few professionals during the aftermath of a basement flood. The first is a water damage restoration company. We highly recommend one that can also handle mold remediation as well. Even if the damage is minimal and you think you can DIY it, it is best to give them a call. They have all the tools, knowledge, and experience to make sure your home is fully functional before starting any restoration. With water damage, things may seem dry but can still be holding onto water. Every single one of our 1-Tom-Plumber locations can recommend a great local restoration company to help.

Along with a restoration company, you may need the help of a plumber. This is especially true if the cause was a burst or leaking pipe. We can solve the issue quickly and efficiently.

There may be other professionals that you may need like contractors, electricians, and foundation specialists.

Final Thoughts

A basement flood can be extremely overwhelming and unfortunately, time is of the essence in this situation. However, take a moment to gather your thoughts and a plan of action. You can’t do anything while water is still rising in your home. However, after a plan is formulated the process of handling a basement flood can be a little easier.

Call 1-Tom-Plumber 

Don’t hesitate to contact us here or call us at 1-Tom-Plumber (1-866-758-6237) if you need any plumbing, drain cleaning, water damage, or excavation service. 1-Tom-Plumber’s certified team of plumbers and drain technicians respond immediately to any emergency plumbing, drain cleaning. We also handle the excavation of underground water lines and sewer main lines. Our immediate-response team is available every day and night of the year, even on holidays.