Flooded Basement Guide

Safety should always be the first priority during a basement flood or water damage emergency.

• Avoid standing water near electrical outlets, appliances, or exposed wiring

• Shut off electricity to the affected area if it is safe to do so

• Avoid contact with contaminated or sewage-related water

• Wear proper protective gear such as gloves, boots, and masks when entering affected areas

• Stay away from structurally damaged areas until they can be safely inspected

Once the area is safe to enter, take immediate steps to stop additional water from entering the property and prevent further damage.

Examples:

• Shutting off the main water supply valve if the flooding is caused by a burst or leaking pipe

• Turning off appliances connected to water lines, such as washing machines or dishwashers

• Temporarily covering roof leaks or damaged areas, if it is safe to do so

• Clearing clogged drains or gutters that may be contributing to water intrusion

• Inspecting sump pumps to ensure they are operating properly

Stopping the source of the water as quickly as possible can help reduce structural damage, mold growth, and restoration costs.

Properly documenting the damage can help support your insurance claim and create a clear record of the affected areas before cleanup and repairs begin.

Be sure to:

• Take clear photos and videos of all visible damage

• Save damaged items and materials when possible

• Document all affected rooms, belongings, and structural materials

• Keep receipts for emergency repairs, temporary housing, or cleanup expenses

• Record the date and cause of the flooding if known

Thorough documentation can help streamline the insurance claims process and ensure all damages are properly accounted for.

After documenting the damage, contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process. Prompt reporting can help prevent delays and ensure you meet any policy reporting requirements.

When speaking with your insurance provider:

• Report the damage and provide details about the cause of the flooding

• Review your deductible and policy coverage information

• Ask whether emergency mitigation and water extraction services are covered under your policy

• Keep copies of receipts, invoices, estimates, and all related documentation

• Save records of emails, phone calls, and communication with your insurance company and contractors

For additional information about deductibles, policy limitations, and common insurance terms, visit the Insurance Guide located under the Homeowner Education section of our website.

Once the source of the water has been stopped and the area is safe, begin removing standing water and drying affected areas as quickly as possible to help minimize further damage.

You may consider using:

• Wet vacuums designed for water removal

• Water pumps for larger areas of standing water

• Towels, mops, and fans to help dry surfaces

• Opening windows and increasing airflow if weather conditions allow

Quick water removal can help reduce the risk of mold growth, structural damage, and permanent material deterioration.

Keep in mind that large flooding events, sewage backups, and contaminated water damage should always be handled by trained restoration professionals with the proper equipment and protective measures.

Taking the wrong actions after a basement flood can increase safety risks and lead to additional property damage. Avoid the following:

• Do not use standard household vacuums to remove water, as they are not designed for water extraction and may create electrical hazards

• Do not enter flooded areas if electricity is still active or if there is a risk of electrical exposure

• Do not ignore wet drywall, insulation, carpeting, or flooring materials, as trapped moisture can quickly lead to mold growth and structural damage

• Do not delay the drying and mitigation process, since water damage can worsen within hours

• Do not handle or disturb sewage-contaminated materials without proper protective equipment and professional guidance

Taking quick and safe action can help minimize long-term damage and reduce restoration costs.

While minor water issues may sometimes be handled with basic cleanup, certain situations require professional mitigation services to properly dry, clean, and restore the property.

Signs you may need professional water mitigation include:

• Standing water deeper than 1–2 inches

• Sewage contamination or foul-smelling water

• Wet drywall, insulation, carpeting, or structural materials

• Persistent musty odors or signs of mold growth

• Water damage affecting multiple rooms or levels of the property

• Visible structural damage or safety concerns

• Flooding or moisture that has remained untreated for more than 24 hours

• Water intrusion behind walls, under flooring, or in hidden areas

Professional water mitigation helps ensure that moisture is fully removed and can help prevent mold growth, structural deterioration, and long-term property damage.

Sewage Backup Safety

Sewage backups are classified as Category 3 water losses, meaning the water is considered grossly contaminated and may contain raw sewage, harmful bacteria, viruses, parasites, and other hazardous substances. Because of the serious health and safety risks involved, sewage contamination should always be handled with extreme caution.

Health Risks Associated with Sewage Exposure

Exposure to contaminated sewage water can lead to serious illness and health complications, including:

• Gastrointestinal illnesses caused by bacteria such as E. coli, Salmonella, and Norovirus

• Viral infections such as Hepatitis A and other waterborne viruses

• Skin and respiratory irritation, including rashes, allergic reactions, and asthma flare-ups

• Exposure to harmful mold spores, bacteria, and airborne contaminants

Why Porous Materials Often Require Removal

Porous and semi-porous materials such as carpeting, drywall, insulation, upholstered furniture, and certain flooring materials can absorb contaminated water like a sponge. Once these materials become saturated, harmful bacteria, parasites, and mold spores can remain trapped inside, even after the area appears dry.

Because these contaminants cannot always be fully cleaned or sanitized, affected materials often need to be safely removed and discarded to protect the health of occupants and prevent ongoing contamination.

Why Professional Sanitization Is Important

Household cleaners and bleach alone are often not enough to fully eliminate harmful pathogens embedded within contaminated materials and structural surfaces. Professional remediation helps ensure the property is properly cleaned, sanitized, and dried.

Professional restoration teams may:

• Use industrial-grade disinfectants and hospital-level antimicrobial treatments

• Follow strict safety and containment protocols to prevent cross-contamination

• Wear full Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) during cleanup and removal

• Perform complete structural drying using commercial air movers and dehumidifiers

• Inspect for hidden moisture that could lead to future mold growth

Professional sewage cleanup helps restore a safe and sanitary environment while reducing the risk of long-term health hazards and structural damage.

Taking preventative measures both inside and outside your home can help reduce the risk of basement flooding and costly water damage.

Exterior Prevention

Proper exterior maintenance helps direct water away from the home and reduces the risk of water intrusion.

• Clean gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent overflow

• Extend downspouts away from the foundation to improve drainage

• Ensure the soil around the home is properly graded away from the foundation

• Inspect the foundation for cracks or gaps that could allow water intrusion

• Trim landscaping and remove debris that may block drainage paths

• Inspect exterior drainage systems before heavy rain or storm seasons

Interior Prevention

Maintaining interior systems can help identify potential issues before flooding occurs.

• Test sump pumps regularly to ensure they are functioning properly

• Install battery backup systems for sump pumps in case of power outages

• Insulate exposed pipes to help prevent freezing and bursting during cold weather

• Install water leak detectors near appliances, water heaters, and vulnerable areas

• Inspect plumbing connections and appliance hoses for leaks or wear

• Avoid storing valuables directly on basement floors when possible

Routine inspections and preventative maintenance can help minimize the risk of basement flooding and reduce the likelihood of major water damage.

Use the following checklist to help guide your response after discovering basement flooding:

• Shut off electricity to the affected area, if it is safe to do so

• Stop the source of the water, if possible

• Contact your insurance company to begin the claims process

• Remove valuable belongings and important documents from affected areas

• Take photos and videos of all visible damage before cleanup begins

• Begin removing standing water and drying affected areas as quickly as possible

• Contact a professional restoration company for inspection, mitigation, and structural drying services

Quick action can help minimize additional damage, reduce the risk of mold growth, and improve the overall restoration process.