A flooded basement is a source of dread for homeowners, whether due to heavy rain, melting snow, or a burst pipe. You must contend with the immediate water damage, what to do with the damaged items, and whether your insurance company will cover expenses. Plus, you’ll need a plan to prevent future basement water issues. 

We’ll take you through the complete basement flooding repair process so you know what to do.

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Step 1: Immediate Response

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Step 2: Assessment and Inspection

Inspect the entire basement to measure the extent of damage. Take photos to support your insurance claim if the water damage was caused by a covered event. 

As you assess the damage, look for structural issues. Check to see if the corners still look very square or if they’ve shifted. Look for sagging, bulging, or cracks that weren’t on the walls or floors before the flooding. If you see serious structural damage, call a professional right away. They can brace the walls to create a safe environment for the repair process. Bring in a certified electrician if you’re unable to turn off the electricity before entering the basement.

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Step 3: Water Removal

The scope of the water removal process depends on the amount of water in the basement. For several feet of standing water, FEMA recommends only pumping out 1 foot of water every 24 hours. This helps prevent walls from collapsing. 

If your electricity is in working condition, you can install a sump pump to slowly remove the water (as long as the water isn’t high enough to reach any electrical outlets). Some basements are already equipped with sump pumps, or you can buy one at a home improvement store. On HomeDepot’s website, cheaper models start off around $100 and pump 1,600 gallons per hour, while expensive models start off around $400 and pump 4,000 gallons per hour. For smaller water levels, consider using a bucket or wet/dry vacuum.

Homeowners can also hire a professional water removal company. They have heavy-duty water extractors that get the job done quickly. Your homeowners insurance policy may cover water removal if the flooding was caused by a covered event.

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Step 4: Drying and Dehumidifying

Once standing water is removed from the basement, you need to dry and dehumidify. If you hire a professional service, they’ll bring in commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers. They use moisture meters to determine how long to keep the equipment running. Some professionals may also bring in air scrubbers to remove harmful particles from the air.

The drying process can also be a do-it-yourself (DIY) project. Open all doors and windows to increase air circulation and setup fans throughout the space. You can rent large, commercial-grade fans and dehumidifiers. Running your air conditioning throughout the house also helps the basement dry out. The chance of mildew and mold growth increases after 48 hours, so take these steps immediately.

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Step 5: Cleaning and Disinfecting

Clean and disinfect the basement and everything in it. The cleaning process depends on the type of water damage. We’ve outlined the three types below. 

• Clean water: The flooding didn’t bring in any contaminants
• Gray water: Anything that came from your shower/tub, washing machine, or toilet tank
• Black water: Any water that contains human waste from the toilet or sewer line 

If items were contaminated with sewage water or floodwater (which has bacteria), you will likely need to throw them away. For clean or gray water, consider taking soft items to a professional cleaner.

Once the basement is clear and dried out, mop concrete floors and walls with a bleach solution (use 3/4 cup of bleach with 1 gallon of water). Be sure to open windows and run fans while disinfecting with bleach, and rinse surfaces afterward. Consider hiring a professional for sewage floods, large amounts of mud, and damaged drywall to ensure the job gets done properly.

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Step 6: Damage Repair

In addition to water removal, flood damage often creates other damage. 

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Step 7: Future Flooding Prevention

Once the water damage restoration process is complete, take steps to prevent further damage, especially if the area is at high risk of flooding again.

One option for basement waterproofing is to install an electric sump pump, which removes water as it comes in. Add a battery-powered or water-powered backup in case power goes out during a storm. You can also install a water leak detection system. Place one near any appliances that use water (such as a water heater or washing machine); the device sounds an alarm to notify you to shut off the water when there’s a leak. You can also apply waterproof coating on concrete or cement surfaces in your basement or crawl space to minimize future structural damage.

Finally, prevent water damage from the home’s exterior by installing gutters and downspouts and landscaping that grades away from the house.

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When To Hire a Professional

When there is significant damage or large amounts of water, consider calling in a professional. They have the proper equipment for removing water, sanitizing the area, and removing mold or mildew.

Check with your home insurance company to ask if they work with local vendors. This can expedite the repair or claims process. The insurance company may also pay recommended vendors directly. Read online reviews to choose a reputable restoration company for dealing with excess water.

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Our Conclusion

Safety is the priority when dealing with basement floodwater. Once you understand its cause and can safely enter the area, talk to your insurance company about what remediation services your policy covers. If services aren’t covered, gauge the damage’s intensity to determine whether you should DIY the project or hire a professional.  

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FAQ About Flooded Basement Repair

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