So, your floor drain backed up and now there’s water in the basement. What to do next? Don’t panic! A flooded basement could be caused by rainwater from a recent storm. If the floor drain in your basement is clogged or backing up, it’s likely because the drain is lower than the raised water level. But if there’s been no heavy rain, it could be something flushed down the toilet that has lodged in the drain pipe or a tree root has broken through the pipes under your home. Either way, take a deep breath and follow these 12 steps.
Flooded Basement Step 1
Stay calm. There’s nothing quite like water backing up into your home to induce sudden panic. While you might feel a sense of helplessness, the truth is that there are specific steps you can take. The sooner you are able to think clearly and act, the sooner you’ll be able to fix the problem.
Flooded Basement Step 2
Shut off any power around the flooded area, including electricity and gas. Do NOT enter the flooded area until you’re able to do so. If you’re not sure how to do this, call a licensed electrician or the electric company.
Flooded Basement Step 3
The water level may have been high enough to cause sewage to back up into your basement. To protect yourself from bacteria, be sure to wear protective gear (boots, gloves, etc.) when you are able to enter the flooded area.
Flooded Basement Step 4
Check the basement drain to see if it’s clogged. Keeping it clear will help to drain the water more quickly.
Flooded Basement Step 5
Now you can begin removing the water. If your home is equipped with a sump pump, it will do the majority of the work for you. If not, you can use a mop and bucket, pool pump or wet/dry vacuum. After the majority of the water has been removed, soak up the remainder with sponges or old towels. If the job is too much for you to handle on your own, we recommend calling Woodard Cleaning & Restoration for 24/7 water extraction and dry out services.
Flooded Basement Step 6
Move damaged items out of the basement to dry in a well-ventilated area. If weather permits, drying them in the sun is a good idea. Allow 48 hours for items to dry. If they are still wet after 48 hours, consider discarding them in order to avoid mold and mildew. Cardboard boxes are especially susceptible to bacteria. So, salvage the contents of the boxes if possible, but discard the boxes to be safe.
Flooded Basement Step 7
Don’t touch electrical items (TV, stereos, lamps) even after the electricity has been disconnected. Let these items dry where they are, and refer to an electrician or qualified repairman to determine whether each is worth saving.
Flooded Basement Step 8
Carpeting can prevent the floor underneath from drying, so it’s important to rip up and remove any carpeting in the flooded area as quickly as possible. A restoration specialist or carpet cleaning company may be able to save your carpeting, but it must be dried properly to avoid harboring mold and mildew.
Flooded Basement Step 9
If you have flood insurance, call your home insurance company and report the flood. Confirm your coverage limits, deductible amount and claim procedures.
Flooded Basement Step 10
Air it all out. Give the basement several days to dry out. Open windows and doors to get as much ventilation as possible, and place fans around the room for air circulation. Consider renting a dehumidifier to speed up the process.
Flooded Basement Step 11
Wash down floors and walls to remove any dirt left behind by the water. Remove any wet or damaged drywall and insulation to prevent mold from spreading.
Flooded Basement Step 12
Once the floor and walls are dry, use an anti-mildew spray to discourage mold and mildew from developing.
Dealing with a flooded basement or home can be stressful, expensive and time consuming. Save yourself the trouble by scheduling an annual drain cleaning with your local plumber. They can ensure your drains remain clear and fully functional.
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