Guide
Basement Flooding: Causes, Response and Prevention
Why basements flood, what to do while water is present and how to reduce the chance of repeat flooding.
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- Give your city and ZIP code
- Say what happened and if water is still running
- Ask the company about its license and insurance
Quick answer
Basements flood from groundwater, failed sump pumps, plumbing problems and sewer backups. Stay out if the power is on, pump out water safely, dry thoroughly and fix the cause.
Response checklist
- Do not enter standing water if power is on
- Identify whether the water is clean, gray or sewage
- Photograph damage
- Call for water removal and a plumber if needed
- Move belongings to dry areas
Prevention
- Test your sump pump every few months and consider a battery backup
- Keep gutters clear and extend downspouts several feet from the foundation
- Slope soil away from the house
- Seal foundation cracks
- Install a water alarm near the lowest point
Pumping out
If the ground is saturated, removing water too quickly can stress foundation walls. A professional will pace pumping to local conditions.
Sources and further reading
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