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What to Do After Your Basement Floods
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You open the basement door and there is a lake where your rec room used to be. Stop. Before you take one step, know this: the water may be electrified, contaminated or both. Here is exactly what to do, and what never to do.
Flooded basement? Call (302) 400-8531, 24/7. Emergency pump-out, on the way.
(302) 400-8531The Do and Do Not List
- Do not enter until electricity to the basement is confirmed off at the breaker panel.
- Do not use household vacuums.
- Do not assume the water is clean. If it came through the floor drain, from outside, or has stood more than 24 hours, treat it as contaminated.
- Do call a professional restoration company immediately.
- Do document with photos from a safe vantage point.
- Do contact your insurance company within 24 hours.
Step-by-Step Response
Make it safe
Turn off power at the main breaker if you can reach it without standing in water. If the panel is in the flooded area, call your utility and an electrician.
Identify the source
Burst pipe, water heater failure, sump pump failure, groundwater seepage, storm runoff or sewer backup. Each has a different water category.
Stop incoming water if possible
Shut off the main supply for plumbing sources.
Photograph and video the water level and damage
Call professionals to begin extraction and drying
Move contents that can be safely lifted, such as boxes and electronics, onto higher ground
Report the claim to your insurer
Time Is Critical
Mold can begin growing within 24 to 48 hours. Category 1 clean water degrades to Category 2 within 24 to 48 hours of stagnation. Every hour of standing water increases damage to finished materials.
What Professionals Do Differently
- Classify the water before touching it
- Pump out in stages if foundation pressure is a concern
- Map moisture with meters and thermal imaging
- Remove only what cannot be saved
- Dry the structure with calculated equipment and daily monitoring
- Document everything for insurance
What Can and Cannot Be Saved
| Material | After Clean Water | After Contaminated Water |
|---|---|---|
| Concrete and block | Usually salvageable | Cleaned and treated |
| Carpet and pad | Sometimes saved if acted on fast | Discard |
| Drywall and insulation | Often removed if wet above a few inches | Discard |
| Solid wood furniture | Often salvageable | Case by case |
| Upholstered items and mattresses | Often not salvageable | Discard |
Related Pages
FAQ
Flooded Basement FAQs
Is it safe to pump out the basement myself?
Only if the source is clean and electrical hazards are eliminated. When in doubt, call a professional.
How long will it take to dry?
Most basements need several days to a week or more of active drying.
Should I throw out everything that got wet?
Not immediately. Photograph first, then decide with your restoration company and adjuster.
Will insurance pay for a flooded basement?
Depends on the cause. Sudden plumbing failures are often covered; groundwater and flood typically require separate coverage.
How can I stop it from happening again?
Improve sump capacity, add battery backup, grade away from the foundation and extend downspouts.
24/7 Emergency Line
Get Emergency Water Damage Restoration in New Castle County Call Now
Water damage does not wait, and every hour of delay increases the cost and complexity of restoration. Whether you are standing in a flooded basement right now, watching water spread from a burst pipe, or you have discovered signs of hidden water damage, the next step is the same: call Delaware Water Damage Pros for immediate emergency response.
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