What to Do When Your Basement Floods

A flooded basement is one of the most frustrating problems a homeowner can face. Beyond the laborious cleanup, there’s lingering problems of water damage, possible mold growth, and general basement flooding repair. Considering that standard homeowner’s insurance policies rarely cover flooding, the question of how to recover from a flooded basement—financially and otherwise—is an understandable source of stress.

If you’re dealing with flooded basement issues in your home, be it a minor leaky pipe or full-on flash flood basement damage, try not to panic. These flooded basement tips will help you manage the problem so your basement can be cool and dry once again.

How to Handle a Basement Flood

1. Make sure the area is safe.

Your safety should be your immediate concern. You should first shut off the electricity and gas to the basement. This is important even if the flooding seems mild—you never know if water has come in contact with in-wall electrical wiring. If your circuit breaker is in the basement, call a professional electrician.

You’ll also want to prepare some protective gear to wear if you anticipate coming in contact with floodwater. Bacteria and other harmful pathogens are likely to be present in floodwater, and these can cause skin irritations, respiratory problems, and other symptoms. Be sure to wear boots, gloves, and eye protection. Better yet, wear a mask and ensure no skin is exposed.

2. Find the water’s source.

Once the area is safe, try to find the water’s source. If the water is coming from outside the home, as in the case of a flash flood or bad storm, take note of how the water entered the structure. Use caution. Take photos and record notes. If the water is coming from inside the home, as in the case of a burst pipe, try to shut off the water source, provided it is safe to do so.

3. Contact the experts.

When the flooded area is controlled, it’s time to make some phone calls. If you have flood insurance, now is the time to call your insurance company. If you have a home warranty with basement flood coverage, call your provider to submit a claim. If the flood is bad enough, you may need to contact a professional flood cleanup service.

4. Retrieve and clean your belongings.

Now is the time to start removing contaminated items from the flood zone. Be sure to handle everything with gloves. Wash items that can be salvaged. Responsibly dispose of items that are beyond repair. To decontaminate items, rinse with a solution of bleach and water.

5. Clear the area of all standing water.

Once your basement is cleared, you can begin clearing the area of water. You may be able to tackle minor floods with a mop and bucket. More serious floods may require a wet/dry vacuum or a pump. Exceptionally bad floods will require the resources of a professional service.

6. Clean, remove, and replace any damaged materials.

A bad flood may necessitate replacing some wall, ceiling, or floor components, particularly if your basement is finished. You may need to rip up and replace carpeting, cut out and replace damp drywall, or replace ceiling tiles. Ignoring this step can facilitate mold growth.

Depending on the extent of the damage, you may need the help of an expert. Know your limits and be absolutely sure that there is no mold or water damage if you take on repairs by yourself.

Does Home Warranty Cover a Flooded Basement?

One basement flood is bad enough. It’s hard to know what to do if basement floods plague your home. Fortunately, a home warranty for basement leaks can help you manage basement water damage. They can also help you update your home to reduce the risk of leaks and flooding.

Liberty Home Guard is here to help you learn more. Call us at (833)-544-8273.