If you have a fire or water emergency, please call us now at (203) 488-8881

To have the optimal experience while using this site, you will need to update your browser. You may want to try one of the following alternatives:

SERVPROSERVPRO of Branford / Shoreline
Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™
(800) 734-3213

What To Do & Who To Call For A Flooded Basement

2/24/2020 (Permalink)

flooded basement filled with four feet of water, reaching almost to top of basement entrance from outside This basement was so flooded, no one could enter. Luckily, our crews were able to pump out all water and start cleaning within 3 hours!

Coming home to water in your basement is a headache for any homeowner. What should you do first? Who should you call to help with your flooded basement cleanup? Should I be worried about mold? Keep reading to get all the answers you need! 

Why Do Basements Flood?

There’s many reasons for basement flooding. Heavy rains can bring in groundwater through cracks in your foundation, sump pumps or drainage systems can fail, water or sewage can back up from clogged basement floor drains, and even things like your furnace or water heater can cause your flooding. 

8 Things To Do When Your Basement Floods

  • Safety first! Don’t immediately enter a flooded crawlspace or basement. If your basement is seriously flooded - and by seriously flooded we mean there is a large amount of standing water in your basement - be sure to turn off the power and gas before entering. If your circuit breaker is in your basement or you’re not sure how to turn off the power, call an electrician to help. 
  • Find protective gear to wear if you enter your basement. Get some rain boots and gloves to make sure you don’t come in contact with dirty or contaminated water, especially if from a sewer backup or rainwater. If it’s past your knees, you may need chest waders as well - but if your basement is this flooded, we wouldn’t recommend entering. Rather, call us here at SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline to help.
  • Locate the source of the water. If the water in your basement is caused by anything other than rain, take immediate action. If caused by a burst pipe or any other faulty appliance, turn off the water immediately. If caused by rain, you want to wait until the storm has passed and stops pouring water into your home. 
  • If you have a floor drain or sump pump, check and see if it’s clogged. If you can unclog it or get it to work, it will help drain the water. 
  • Begin removing water from the basement. If there’s only puddles or a little standing water, you can use wet/dry shop vacs, sump pumps, or even a mop and bucket. If there’s a large amount of standing water, it’s best to call a company like SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline to help extract and remove the water from your basement with specialized equipment. It will be faster than trying to get 3 feet of water out of your basement yourself!
  • Dry EVERYTHING out! Remove wet or water damaged items and decide if they can be salvaged. Be sure to set up fans, dehumidifiers and open windows to help dry out your basement. If there was a lot of water, household equipment may not be able to get the job done. SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline has commercial grade equipment that will be able to quickly and thoroughly dry your basement, and ensure no moisture is left behind. Check out our Water Damage Restoration Process for more information!
  • Clean and sanitize basement walls and floors! Even though it may now be dry, the flood water may have been dirty or contaminated, depending on its source. Additionally, mold and mildew may already have begun to grow during your drying efforts. SERVPRO has the necessary equipment to clean and sanitize your basement after a flood to prevent mold growth. 
  • Take steps to prevent basement flooding in the future. If your sump pump failed, a pipe burst, or an inadequate drainage system caused the flood, be sure to get the problem fixed to prevent the same thing from happening again. 

When Should You Call A Professional To Help Cleanup Your Flooded Basement? 

If the water in your basement is more than several feet deep, you should call a professional flooded basement cleanup company like SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline. We are water damage restoration specialists and will be able to remove water, dry out your basement, clean and sanitize all walls and floors to prevent mold growth, and can even restore your belongings. If you want to be sure your home is dry, sanitary and safe after a basement flood, we can help!

SERVPRO of Branford/Shoreline provides all customers:

Have Questions or Need Help? Call SERVPRO of Branford Today! 800-734-3213

Other News

View Recent Posts