6 Steps to Take After A Basement Flood

From time to time, and particularly during the heaviest rains, we’ll speak with a homeowner who has just discovered their basement is flooded with several inches to several feet of groundwater.

The homeowners are, understandably, very upset that their personal items (and sometimes their home’s utilities) have been damaged or destroyed by water, and would like us to install a basement waterproofing system right away.

While that’s understandable, there are a few steps that need to be taken first.

What To Do If Your Basement Is Flooded

At first glance, a flooded basement may seem like a problem that a homeowner will just have to live with. This is not true. There are basement waterproofing experts available, with common-sense and warrantied solutions, that are just a phone call away.

When your basement floods, we at Foundation Systems of Michigan recommend taking these 6 steps:

1. Shut Off Any Failed Plumbing

While most flooded basements are caused by heavy rains and groundwater flooding, others are caused by home plumbing failures.

If a pipe, washer hose, water heater, or other pressurized water source fails in your home, it can release hundreds of gallons of water into your basement every hour.

In situations where there is a plumbing failure, the first step to solving the problem should be to turn off any failed plumbing. Be very careful to stay high and dry as you do this, as the water be electrified, or contain viruses and bacteria.

2. Pump Out the Water

Getting the water out of your basement is key. Standing water or puddles of water can quickly cause mold. Depending on the amount of water, calling a professional to pump out the water may be necessary.

3. Rescue Your Personal Property

After the water has been removed, it’s time to consider your personal items.

If you have photos, electronics, or irreplaceable items that have water damage, do not despair! Many disaster restoration companies have ways to restore your property and restore lost computer data. This is one of the key reasons to opt for them over a standard pump-out job from a plumber or fire department.

Since the basement could be humid for a couple of days while the drying-out process continues, you may want to move out personal items such as photos, documents, and fabrics. They may look fine now, but they could grow mold in the near future. You also may want to get a photographic record of the damage for your insurance company.

4. Notify Your Insurance Company

If your homeowner’s insurance policy covers flooding, now is a good time to give them a call. Your agent can talk with you about what options you have for a claim, and they can advise you on what needs to be done when you meet with your contractors.

Some insurance companies will offer protection from flooding, and some will not do so. Additionally, it is important to note that some companies offer coverage for failing plumbing and not floods that come from groundwater flooding.

Even if the flood you see today is small, or you don’t feel that a call to your insurance company is necessary, you may want to make a mental note of exactly what kinds of coverage you have, should a larger flood occur later on.

5. Do Some Research

You’ll probably be surprised to find out just how many products and companies have been specialized just for basement waterproofing. There’s a lot of science behind basement waterproofing, and lots of new products have been developed recently.

Before meeting with any waterproofing companies, be sure to research online and check out their rating on the Better Business Bureau. Asking for references and testimonials and making sure workers are fully insured is always a good practice.

Be sure to also research what kinds of solutions they offer, and how those solutions may measure up against the alternatives on the market. Remember, the old-fashioned ways are not always the most effective.

6. Call Foundation Systems of Michigan

Here’s where we come in!

We offer a wide variety of award-winning, warrantied products made specifically for basement waterproofing, and we can customize a great system for you.

In our industry, when it rains, business tends to pour in for us. In the same way that we see long lines at good restaurants on weekends and holidays, we’re bustling with activity when basements are flooding all over the area. Calling us sooner rather than later is a great idea.

You can count on our trained staff to go above and beyond to help you solve your problem as soon as possible.

We Can Stop Your Basement From Flooding!

When it comes to wet basement repair, we at Foundation Systems of Michigan have it down to a science. Here are the top cities in Michigan that are at the highest risk of flooding based on climate data. We’d like to meet with you and show you firsthand why we’re the best in the business!

For a free, no-obligation basement waterproofing quote, contact us by phone or schedule an inspection completely online!

Your free quote includes an on-site inspection, a written quote, and a personal walkthrough of exactly how we can dry your basement and keep it dry all the time! Contact us today to get started!

FAQs

Can I save my carpet and padding after a basement flood?

It depends on the floodwater type and duration of exposure. Clean water floods may allow carpets to be saved if dried quickly, but padding usually needs to be replaced. Contaminated water from sewage or outdoor flooding generally requires discarding both for health reasons.

Why Is My Basement Flooding?

Why do basements leak? And why did the basement just start leaking now? In this article, we cover the building science behind groundwater intrusion and basement flooding.

Highlights:

• The “Clay Bowl Effect”
• How hydrostatic pressure affects your home
• Why a perimeter drain system works

Can clogged gutters cause basement flooding?

During a storm, clogged gutters can absolutely contribute to basement flooding.
Clogged gutters can’t move water away from your home. Instead, they’ll dump it next to the foundation.

Leah Leitow

Content Writer

Leah is a Content Writer for Groundworks with more than ten years of experience working in the foundation repair industry. Her experience ranges from working with homeowners to find the right solution to training inspectors and staff. In her background as a Michigan journalist, she gained invaluable insight into people's lives throughout our state. Leah lives in metro Detroit with her husband and two sons.