Basement Flooding Cleanup and Water Removal

Know the source before you clean

Clean water from a plumbing line or water heater is handled differently than ground seepage or sewer backup. If you see standing water and the power is on, assume the outlets and panel may be unsafe and wait for help.

Typical causes

• Sump pump failure during heavy rain or a power outage
• Saturated soil pushing water through floor cracks and wall joints
• Window well overflow
• Water heater, washer and plumbing failures
• Municipal sewer or drain line backup

Drying a below grade space

Concrete and masonry release moisture slowly, so a basement can feel dry while walls and floors still hold water. Dehumidifiers and air movers run until meters show materials have returned to normal levels. Finished basements with drywall, carpet and insulation usually need those materials removed or opened up.

Stopping repeat flooding

After cleanup, consider a battery backup for the sump pump, gutter extensions that carry roof water away, grading that slopes away from the foundation and a water alarm near the lowest drain.

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