What to do if your basement is flooding?

As a homeowner, nothing is worse than coming home or discovering a basement flood. Whether caused by heavy rains, plumbing issues, or groundwater seepage, the experience can be overwhelming and destructive if not handled quickly and properly. 

You’re immediately sent into a panic and running around like a chicken with their head cut off, trying to fix it and save as many belongings as possible. However, being prepared can help if a basement flood ever happens to you. That’s why, in this guide, we’ll answer the question, “What to do if your basement is flooding,” with guidance from the expert team at WaterWork Plumbing. 

If you have a basement, this guide is a must-read! It covers where to look first when your basement floods, the common causes and repairs, professional services to contact, and more. 

Where to Look First When Your Basement Floods: Main Cleanouts 

Hit “play” on the video above to learn where to look when your basement floods, or keep reading to learn the initial places to look.

1. When water enters a basement, it usually comes through the flood drain. The most important thing to know about the floor drains in your basement is their access points. Most homeowners don’t think about their sewer system until it’s too late. 
2. To be informed, it’s wise to find out where your sewer’s main cleanout is. If you don’t, call a plumber to help you locate it. The main cleanout will have a top you can remove to access the sewer with repair tools, etc. 
3. Some basements have multiple cleanouts. Some provide access to the pipes right underneath the floor, which can be “cleaned out” before they reach the pipes outside the house. Generally, houses may also have other cleanouts by the laundry and additional bathrooms. 

What To Do When Your Basement is Flooding 

Of course, knowing where your main cleanouts are is just the beginning. Next, we’ll explore the steps to take immediately upon finding your basement flooding step by step. 

Prioritize Safety

Your and your family’s safety should always come first in any emergency, including a flooded basement. Water and electricity create a dangerous mix, so before entering the flooded area, take the following precautions:

• Turn off the electricity: Do not enter the basement if water levels are significant, and cover electrical outlets or appliances. Instead, turn off the electricity at the main breaker to eliminate the risk of electric shock.
• Check for gas leaks: If you detect a gas smell or hear a hissing sound, leave your home immediately and contact your utility company or emergency services.
• Ventilate the area: If possible, open windows and doors for ventilation. This helps reduce the risk of mold and mildew growth later on.

If you cannot safely access the basement to turn off utilities, contact a professional to handle the situation. Never take unnecessary risks when it comes to your safety.

Identify the Source of the Flooding

The first step in addressing a flooded basement is determining where the water comes from. Common sources include:

• Heavy rain or storms: Excessive rainfall can overwhelm your home’s drainage system, causing water to enter through windows, cracks in the foundation, or basement walls.
• Sump pump failure: A malfunctioning sump pump is a leading cause of basement flooding. If your sump pump fails during a rainstorm, your basement may quickly fill with water.
• Plumbing issues: Burst pipes, leaking water heaters, or backed-up sewage lines can also lead to a flooded basement.
• Groundwater seepage: In areas with high groundwater levels, water can seep into the basement through foundation cracks or porous materials, especially if your home lacks proper waterproofing.

Understanding the source will guide your response and help you decide whether you need a plumber, a water restoration service, or both.

Stop the Water Flow

Once you’ve identified the source of the flooding, your next priority is to stop the water flow, if possible.

• If the flooding is due to a plumbing issue, such as a burst pipe, locate and shut off the water supply to your home. This will prevent further damage until a plumber can arrive to fix the issue.
• If the flooding is caused by rain or groundwater, there may not be much you can do until the water subsides, but you can use towels, sandbags, or other materials to block further water entry if possible. In extreme cases, you may need to wait for the rain to stop before beginning cleanup.
• Check the sump pump: If your sump pump has failed, try resetting it or ensuring it is receiving power. You may also want to contact a professional to inspect or repair it.

Begin Water Removal

Once you’ve stopped the water flow, it’s time to remove it from your basement. The method you use will depend on the amount of water present:

• For small amounts of water, you can use a wet/dry vacuum or towels to absorb and remove the water. Mops, buckets, and old towels can also be effective for minor flooding.
• For significant flooding: If your basement is filled with several inches of water, a sump or water pump may be necessary. In extensive flooding, it’s best to contact a professional water damage restoration service to handle the cleanup.

Be sure to dispose of water safely, such as a drain or a storm sewer, and avoid dumping it near your home’s foundation, which could exacerbate the problem.

Dry Out the Area

Once the water has been removed, drying out the basement is essential to prevent mold and mildew growth. Mold can form within 24 to 48 hours after flooding, so act quickly.

• Use fans and dehumidifiers: High-powered fans and dehumidifiers can help speed up the drying process by increasing air circulation and reducing moisture in the air. These are particularly useful in enclosed basement spaces.
• Open windows and doors: If the weather allows, open windows and doors to increase airflow. Ventilation is vital to drying out damp spaces effectively.
• Check for hidden moisture: Carpeting, drywall, insulation, and furniture can trap moisture, so inspect these areas and consider removing or replacing any items saturated with water.

Inspect for Damage

After the water has been removed and the basement is drying, it’s important to inspect the area for damage:

• Check your foundation and walls for cracks or signs of structural damage. Water can erode concrete and lead to long-term problems, so be on the lookout for any issues.
• Examine electrical systems and appliances: If any electrical outlets, wiring, or appliances were submerged in the basement flood, contact a licensed electrician to assess the damage before using them. Water and electricity are a dangerous combination, so proceed with caution.
• Inspect for mold growth: Pay close attention to dark, damp corners where mold may begin to grow. If you spot mold, it is best to hire a professional mold remediation service to handle the cleanup.

Contact a Professional

In most cases, contacting a professional plumber or water restoration service is essential to ensuring the problem is appropriately addressed. A professional can:

• Repair burst pipes or plumbing issues
• Inspect your sump pump and recommend repairs or replacements
• Assess foundation damage and recommend waterproofing solutions
• Offer mold remediation services if mold is detected
• Advise on future prevention measures

The Final Word: Expert Solutions for Basement Floods 

If you know anyone who’s had to deal with basement flooding, you know what a stressful and costly problem it can be. Thankfully, quick action can minimize damage and help restore your home to normal and working. With this guide, you’ve learned how to locate your main cleanouts and the steps to take when finding a basement flood. 

Remember, the best way to prevent future flooding is through proper maintenance, early detection of plumbing issues, and investing in protective measures. So make WaterWork Plumbing your go-to plumber for all things plumbing. Get in touch to be proactive today or to schedule a service call.