My Basement is Flooded. Now What?

If you own a home with a basement, you’re likely to experience the dreaded basement flood at some point. Whether it’s caused by a storm, a plumbing leak or something else entirely, a flood is never fun. But with a few helpful tips, it can usually be managed.

The first step in addressing a flooded basement is also the most important: ensure that electrical power to the basement is turned off. If there is ANY chance that the water in your basement could transmit an electrical charge, stay out of the basement. If you can’t shut off the power safely, you may need to contact an electrician.

In addition to shutting off electrical power in your basement, you’ll need to make sure there’s no water near gas-powered appliances, like your furnace or water heater. In this case, call the gas company to turn off the gas.

The next step is to figure out where the water is coming from. The most common cause of flooding is rain or groundwater that enters through a permeable foundation. Other common causes include plumbing leaks and basement windows.

You’ll also need to gather some basic supplies to begin the clean-up process. You’ll most likely need a wet/dry vacuum, a fan, a submersible pump, a space heater and mold-control products. Drying your basement and preventing mold or further damage is a time-consuming process, but it’s absolutely necessary. To prevent another flood, you may want to consider a sump pump and a dry well.

For a list of my recommended sump pump and parts, visit the Product Recommendation page.