My Basement is Flooded!! What Do I Do Next?

Surface water, wall seepage or back-flow from sewer lines typically causes little to no structural damage to your basement or home’s foundation. The water inside braces the walls against the pressure of outside water and waterlogged soil. So what’s next after a heavy rain and your basement is flooded with water?

Drain water out of your basement

Wait to drain the water inside the basement until a majority of the water outside the basements has gone down. This will prevent the basement walls from being pushed in or the floors from heaving.

If you have a large amount of water in your basement or if there is no basement drain, you may need to buy or rent a sump pump to get rid of the water. You will be unable to use an electric sump pump if your electrical panel is located in an area of your home that has been flooded, unless you use a pump driven by a 12-volt auto battery.

You can begin pumping the water out of your basement when the water level outside is lower than the water level inside your flooded basement. You may need to measure to determine this.

Stop pumping when the two water levels become equal. Pump the basement water out at the same rate at which the flood waters recede. This will keep the integrity of your foundational structure in-tacked.

I have drained the water out of my basement, how should I clean it?

As soon as all the water has been drained or pumped out of your basement shovel all the mud and debris to allow the floors and walls to dry. Remove silt and dirt stains by rinsing the concrete walls and masonry foundation walls with a high-pressure hose.

If the stains are stubborn and do not come clean with the hose, use a stiff bristle brush and household detergent to clean. Begin scrubbing at the top of the basement wall and work all the way down to the floor. Rinse often with clear water.

Start drying your basement as quickly as possible, this will decrease the chances of mild or mildew growing and minimize wood decay. Open all doors and windows to allow moisture to flow outside the basement. A dehumidifier will help speed up the drying process by removing excess moisture in the air.

If you are sensitive to mold or mildew or see any mold in your basement, be sure to wear a mask or respirator containing an appropriate filter.