Whether the damage is due to a storm or a leak, experts advise how to fix it ASAP.
So Your Basement Is Severely Flooded. Now What?
Water leaks and pooling in your basement can, unfortunately, occur for various reasons. One of the most common causes is heavy rainfall from storms, which many people are currently experiencing due to Hurricane Helene—it has dumped over a foot of rain in some regions.
Even a sump pump may struggle to handle such extensive water damage. Additionally, clogged gutters, burst pipes, or a leaking water heater can also lead to basement flooding. So, what should you do if you have water rising in your basement?
First of all: Be safe! One important consideration is the risk of electrical hazards, especially if the water has reached electrical outlets, disaster preparedness expert Peter Duncanson, vice president of training and development at ServiceMaster Brands LLC, says. “In this case, the water could be charged with electricity, creating a dangerous situation,” he explains. To avoid the risk of electric shock, turn off the electricity before you go down there.
If your basement is taking on water because of an extreme weather event like Hurricane Helene, listen to the radio or watch the news in case evacuation orders come through, Jack White, senior director of technical services at Rainbow Restoration says.
Now that we’ve gotten that very important safety information out of the way, keep reading for the best tips from restoration and insurance experts for handling a flooded basement—including how to prevent one from happening in the first place.
What Should You Do If You Notice Your Basement Is Flooding?
When you’re notice water beginning to pool in your basement, try to pinpoint what’s causing the leak or flood.
If the water is accumulating due to an internal source—something like a burst pipe or a leaky water heater—the first step is to shut off the main water supply line to prevent any further flooding, Josh Rudin, owner at ASAP Restoration, says. (Consider this your friendly reminder to know where your water supply shut off is located so that you can shut it off in an emergency situation. If you have a basement or a crawl space, there’s a solid chance it’s located down there, mostly likely near the front of the house. If not, it may be near the hot water heater.)
However, if you’ve got a broken-down sump pump or water is flowing in through, say, a shattered window, it’s time to roll up your sleeves and begin removing water.
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You can suck up water from floors that aren’t covered with carpet with a shop vac, Duncanson says. These vacuums can remove small amounts of water on concrete and tile, but they don’t have the proper suction for carpeted floors, he says. Large amounts of water can be removed by using a floor squeegee or push broom to move the water to floor drains.
Duncanson always recommends using shelving with a 2-inch clearance off the floor to keep your stuff safe from any water that might seep in. Instead of cardboard boxes, he prefers plastic storage bins that can better stand up to moisture. But if your stuff is getting wet, start removing it and putting it in a safe, dry area to avoid any further damage.
It’s best to elevate your furniture, but if you don’t have a way of doing that and it’s getting wet, White suggests placing aluminum foil or wooden blocks under furniture legs to prevent any water absorption.
Once it’s safe to do so, you can set up fans to dry the area, which can help prevent mold and potentially reduce the costs of repairs, Celia Santana, president and CEO of Personal Risk Management Solutions, an insurance brokerage, says.
What Problems Can a Flooded Basement Cause?
Unfortunately, once you get the water cleaned up, you may have more issues to deal with, which is why you’ll want to call a professional remediation company.
“Even small floods will still vaporize a lot of water, and that means it can stay in the air and relocate to places like drywall where it will grow mold formations easily,” Rudin explains.
Mold growth can begin within 24 to 48 hours of a flood, which means you should act quickly, Duncanson says.
Floodwater often contains bacteria, Duncanson adds, and water can also compromise your home’s foundation, which are a couple more reasons to get a professional in soon after your basement floods.
How to Prevent Your Basement From Flooding
Basements are often an important storage area where valuable items are kept and essential utilities are located, Duncanson points out. Follow these tips from ServiceMaster Restore that he provided to waterproof your basement and protect your belongings.
Seal Cracks
Inspect your basement frequently for any cracks that could be in the walls or foundation, and use waterproof sealant to address any that you find. (Cracks that are 1/4 inch or thicker are among the warning signs you should never ignore in your house; it’s time to call a professional if you notice any).
Install a Sump Pump
Consider investing in one with a battery backup to ensure operation even during power outages.
Waterproof the Exterior Walls
Masonry sealers can offer a substantial protective layer against penetrating water.
Grade the Lawn Away from the Home
Make sure your home’s surroundings are landscaped to direct water away from the foundation. French drains can help redirect water away from your basement and prevent it from pooling.
Keep the Gutters Clean
Regularly cleaning gutters and downspouts can prevent blockages that could lead to overflowing water and water damage.
Will Insurance Cover a Flooded Basement?
If the water entered from outside your house, you’ll need to have flood insurance to collect on a claim, Santana says. Approximately 40 percent of all flood claims happen in homes that are not in flood zones, she says, so a lot of homeowners don’t have coverage. If the water is a result of a problem that started inside the house, such as a leaking water heater, many policies do cover the damage.
If you do have flood insurance, you’ll want to provide documentation of damaged items, Chantal M. Roberts, an insurance claims expert with CMR Consulting, says. Obtain photos, serial numbers, model numbers, descriptions and values of your water-damaged belongings to turn into your insurance company. You’ll also want to take close-up and wide-angle photos of the items and any serial numbers that you can submit to your insurance company.
Source: House Beautiful
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