- Inspect and assess the water damage, then create an action plan
- Extract the water from the area with pumps and vacuums
- Dry and dehumidify once most of the water has been removed
- Clean and sanitize with antimicrobial treatments and air scrubbers to remove odors
- Restore your basement back to its pre-flood condition by replacing the drywall as needed as well as flooring
- If necessary, adding a waterproof seal in the form of a membrane
What to do if you have a flooded basement?
What to Do When You Have a Flooded Basement
- Safety First. Before taking any sort of action, you should first try to identify any potential dangers. ...
- Identify the Source of the Problem. Your next step will be to identify the source of the flooding. ...
- Salvage Any Accessible Belongings. ...
- Contact a Local, Reliable, Full Service Restoration Contractor. ...
How can I Stop my basement from flooding?
How to prevent basement flooding in future
- Install a sump pump. You will need to invest some money into preventing a flooded basement. ...
- Use a foundation drainage system. ...
- Get waterproof solutions for your basement walls and windows. ...
- Protect your toilet and plumbing. ...
- Introduce landscape solutions to your lawn and yard. ...
What can homeowners do to avoid a flooded basement?
- Prevent overland flood waters from entering your basement by sealing all gaps and openings. ...
- Store items off the floor and leave the basement unfinished.
- Reduce water usage during severe rainstorms so less water drains into storm and sanitary sewers.
- Purchase separate flood insurance to cover any gaps in homeowners’ policy.
How to prevent and handle a flooded basement?
What do you do when your basement floods?
- Make sure everyone is safe. First things first: safety! ...
- Drain the water. The second most important thing is draining the water. ...
- Find the source of the leak. A burst pipe may be the cause of the leak; that will be pretty easy to spot. ...
- Salvage your belongings. ...
- Start waterproofing. ...
How do you fix a flooded basement?
8 Tips for Flood-Proofing a BasementInstall a Sump Pump. ... Install a Backwater Valve. ... Seal Your Basement. ... Properly Grade Around the Foundation. ... Install a French Drain. ... Check Your Landscaping. ... Use Downspout Extensions. ... Keep Your Gutters Clean.
What to spray in basement after flooding?
Most household cleaners will be effective for flood cleanup. After cleaning walls and nonporous surfaces with a household cleaner or detergent, follow up with a disinfectant to prevent future mold or mildew growth. A diluted bleach solution (½ cup liquid chlorine bleach to a gallon of water) can work for this as well.
What is the first thing to do when basement floods?
What Do You Do When Your Basement is Flooding?STEP 1: PUT SAFETY FIRST AND CALL YOUR ELECTRICIAN. If you do experience a basement flood, remember to put safety first. ... STEP 2: REMOVE IMPORTANT ITEMS TO A DRY AREA. ... STEP 3: CALL YOUR PLUMBER. ... STEP 4: CALL YOUR INSURANCE COMPANY. ... STEP 5: CLEAN UP, SANITIZE, AND DEODORIZE.
How can I dry my basement fast?
Use fans and a dehumidifier To start drying, use a dehumidifier in the center of your basement. This will be a big help for removing moisture, but you can use large fans if you don't have a dehumidifier. Turn on the air conditioning in your basement — that will help too.
How long does it take for mold to grow in flooded basement?
24-48 hoursmildew and mold will develop within 24-48 hours of water exposure. Even worse, it will continue to grow until steps are taken to eliminate the source of moisture, and effectively deal with the mold problem.
Is it safe to stay in a house with a flooded basement?
Because water conducts electricity, entering a flooded basement can be deadly. For water more than a foot deep, the risk of electrocution is much higher, and you'll need to hire a professional who specializes in flood remediation.
Will a dehumidifier help a flooded basement?
In the best of circumstance, a flooded basement should have approximately one air mover for every ten linear feet of wet walls. You will also need a dehumidifier capable of handling the amount of water that fans are going to put in the air.
Why is my basement flooding when it rains?
Persistent rain causes soil saturation, creating hydrostatic pressure (or water pressure). This pressure forces moisture through your basement walls and floor. Loose soil around your foundation absorbs water. Your gutters and downspouts get clogged with rainwater that pools right next to your foundation.
What to do if your basement is flooded?
When you call them to your home after your basement has flooded, they will: Inspect and assess the water damage, then create an action plan. Extract the water from the area with pumps and vacuums. Dry and dehumidify once most of the water has been removed.
What causes a basement to flood?
The truth is there are a variety of home issues, such as sewage backups and plumbing leaks, that can cause flooding in your basement.
What to do if you smell gas in your basement?
Locate it now, just in case your basement ever floods. Gas leaks – Flooded basements can cause gas leaks, so make sure to contact your local fire department or utility company if you smell gas in your home. Get everyone out of the house and stay out until they arrive to turn off your gas.
What happens if your water line breaks?
Your home’s water supply runs through the lower levels, so if a leak develops or a line breaks, you’ve got a flood on your hands. Keep an eye out on your water heaters, water softeners, washing machines, and any other appliance in your basement and watch for leaks.
How to stop a flood from a broken pipe?
Instead, disconnect the power to your home. Call an electrician to get the power turned off as soon as you can and to remove any electrical equipment for you that may be exposed to water. If the flood is caused by a broken pipe, then shut off the water to your home. Your home should have a main water shut off valve.
How to clean mold from basement?
Anything that was touched by water in your basement needs to be disinfected as soon as possible. You can use hot water with a detergent or bleach to scrub your floors and walls. This should prevent mold growth and kill most of the bacteria that may be present.
What happens if you don't seal your home?
If your foundation walls and the flooring in your home aren’t properly sealed, then water can seep through. There are warning signs that you have issues with sealing such as water after heavy rainstorms. Be proactive if you notice this.
What to do if you have a flooded basement?
Flooded Basement Rule #1: Get the Water Out Before You Go In. A flooded basement is more than a nuisance, it's an electrocution hazard. Let's say you've got an inch or so of water in the basement. Assuming the service panel is also in the basement, you can put some dry lumber down or use a small plastic step stool or a fiberglass step ladder ...
How can I prevent a basement from flooding?
Consider exterior or interior foundation drains, a backup sump pump, or a generator to keep the pump going when the power goes out. Discharge gutter downspouts properly, slope ground away from the house and seal foundation flaws and cracks—this will also help.
How to get a hose into water?
Get the hose into the water by feeding it down from the basement stairs. The worst possible case is that you need to go into the basement while it's still flooded. The only way that can be safely done is when the house has been completely disconnected from the electrical grid by removing the electrical meter face from the meter pan. ...
Is a flooded basement dangerous?
A deeply flooded basement, on the other hand, is deadly. Once water reaches above the height of outlets, you've got a more profound risk of electrocution, especially if the service panel is also located in the basement.
Can you replace drywall above a flood?
Drywall above the floodwater can be salvaged. Drywall below the floodwater should be replaced, along with any insulation that got soaked. Sometimes carpet can be dried, but more often than not it will need to be replaced along with flooring and wood trim.
How long does it take for a basement to dry out?
It’s best not to dry out items inside the basement, which is already damp. A good rule of thumb is to give items about 48 hours to thoroughly dry. If they remain wet, they may need to be discarded in order to avoid mold and mildew.
What to wear when you are in a flood?
If rain or storm water is the cause of the flood, wait until it's passed before getting to work. • Regardless of the water source, wear boots and gloves for protection. You may also choose to wear a protective mask. Hip or chest waders may also be useful if they are available.
Is it bad to flood a basement?
Unexpected issues in your home aren't enjoyable, but they are common. A flooded basement can give even the most stoic homeowner a sense of helplessness and panic. If you have a basement flood, try not to over-analyze the situation. It may not be as bad as you think.
Can a sump pump cause flooding?
Without a sump pump, water can come up through the ground and enter the home causing flooding in not only the basement, but other parts of the house as well. After most of the water has been removed, soak up the remainder with a cloth or sponges.
Can you enter a flooded area while power is on?
Never enter a flooded area while the power is on. If you aren’t sure how to shut these areas off, call a qualified electrician before entering the room and beginning to work. • Unless the water is caused by rainfall, take action as soon as you notice flooding.
Can you use a pool pump to pump water out of a basement?
Depending on the amount of water, you can use a sump pump, a pool pump, a wet/dry vacuum or a mop and bucket. Sump pumps are located in the lowest part of a basement and work by sending water away from the home after a flooding. Without a sump pump, water can come up through the ground and enter the home causing flooding in not only the basement, ...
Eliminate remaining water using a wet & dry vacuum cleaner
Before any damage can be repaired, any residual water must be removed. A wet and dry vacuum cleaner generates enough suction to hoover up water, grime and slush. These machines can be purchased but also rented.
Use a pressure washer on the walls, flooring and roof
A pressure washer can be used to blast any residual grime from your basement floor, wall and ceiling. When using a pressure washer in damp conditions, it may be wise to opt for a petrol-powered pressure washer so as to avoid any danger of mixing electricity and water.
Dry with an Air Blower
An air blower will reduce the drying time of a damp basement even in chilly January conditions. The main benefit of these machines is their low power consumption, making them a relatively inexpensive way to speed up the drying process.
Elbow grease
To remove any final residual dirt, it is simply a case of scrubbing and washing.
Finish with a Steam Cleaner
As mentioned previously, flood water has come into your home from outside your property so you do not know what it has left behind in terms of microbes, germs, bacteria, allergens or pathogens. For this reason, a hygienic steam clean is essential.
Waterproof your basement
While exceptional flooding will be a risk to any basement, a great number of cases begin from small leaks or cracks where a small amount of water ingress leads to a big problem. Effective basement waterproofing will improve any basements chances when the bad weather returns.
Find out more about basement flooding
Infographic: Why do basements flood? - Find out more with our handy infographic.
How can roots from trees affect sewer lines?
Roots from trees can invade sewer lines over time. If you suspect that roots are causing a blockage, a simple sewer camera inspection by a qualified plumber can confirm. Here, a special video camera connected to a flexible cable is inserted into your sewer lines to examine pipes and check for obstructions and other problems, with footage viewable in real-time via a monitor. This is a great way to help you pinpoint potential issues and make changes and repairs proactively.
Why do basement windows overflow?
Basement window wells can overflow during storms. This usually happens when your yard is flooded or when your gutters overflow because they are obstructed by leaves and debris. When this occurs, water can flow through basement windows and cause flooding.
How can I keep my basement from cracking?
Once any cracks and problem areas have been corrected, consider waterproofing options. One method is applying a coat or two of basement sealer to your walls to add an extra layer of protection against moisture. Adding insulation to your basement is another wise move. Besides keeping you warmer and reducing your heating costs, insulation inhibits moisture intrusion through the walls. Insulation also helps prevent water pipes from freezing in severe weather.
What can weaken a foundation?
Sewer backups, excessive rain, and poor yard drainage can weaken your home’s structural foundation. If you have experienced flooding in the past, a professional contractor specializing in structural foundations can provide corrective guidance.
Why does my plumbing leak?
Plumbing leaks can occur as when performing basic pipe maintenance, or because of issues with sewage mains. If you experience flooding in the absence of rain or recent plumbing work, contact your municipal sewage authority to see if there are any problems with your street’s sewage main.
Can you use a plunger to snake a toilet?
Tackle plumbing clogs or slow drains before they become big problems. If a plunger doesn’t do the trick, snaking your piping may be necessary. This essentially means inserting a drain or toilet snake down into your drains (or toilet) and breaking up the hair and other debris that can clog your pipes. You can do it yourself or hire a plumber to do it for you. It’s messy work, but helpful for keeping your pipes clear and maintaining good water flow.
Can rainwater enter a basement?
This can lead to structural damage, plumbing issues, and even a flooded basement. Even if your gutters are clean, rainwater can still enter your basement if your downspouts are not correctly diverting it away from your foundation.
Stay Cautious
When you notice standing water in your basement, your instinct will be to go down there with buckets and mops as quickly as possible and start removing excess water. However, this can be the last thing you ever do if there is an electrical current running through the water.
Dry out the Area
Once you are down there, look for the water entryway and start cleaning the basement. If you have a wet vacuum, use it to collect water. You can also use a pool pump to get rid of it. If none of these tools are available to you, use an ordinary bucket and a mop.
Causes of Flooding
Sometimes figuring out why your basement suddenly ended up underwater is not the easiest thing to do. Other times, the cause of the problem is very obvious. Here are some of the common causes of flooding issues.
Preventing Future Problems
It doesn’t matter whether you have dealt with a flood before or not, installing certain waterproofing measures and taking some steps can help you prevent such accidents from happening in the future.
