What to Do if You Have a Flooded Basement

Whether the water came from a burst pipe, a storm, or a sewer backup, knowing what to do when your basement floods can help you stay safe and minimize expenses. Acting fast can help keep your walls, carpet, flooring, ceiling, and personal property from being irreparably damaged. 

Learn more about how to fix a flooded basement quickly, as well as prevent future floods.

Is It Safe to Enter a Flooded Basement?

It’s hard to know if entering your flooded basement is safe. There’s a chance that the water could be contaminated or even electrified if it’s making contact with wiring, outlets, or appliances.

The first thing you should try to do is access your circuit breaker to shut off the electricity. However, don’t wade through flood water in the basement to get to the box, and never touch electrical wiring, appliances, or outlets.

If you suspect the water is contaminated — like in the case of a sewer backup — or notice structural issues like bowed walls or sagging ceilings, avoid entering.

What Causes a Flooded Basement?

A basement flooded with water is surprisingly common, especially in areas prone to heavy rainfall or fluctuating water tables. Some of the most common causes include:

• Heavy rain or storm runoff that overwhelms your drainage system
• Sump pump failure during or after a storm
• Sewer backups that push dirty water into your home
• Foundation cracks that let water seep in gradually

Luckily, there are plenty of ways you can prevent basement flooding as well as flooding around your house.

How to Clean a Flooded Basement

The flooded basement cleanup process may seem cumbersome, but it’s the best way to avoid long-term water damage.

Step 1: Stop the Source of Water (If Possible)

If you know where the water is coming from, do your best to stop it. For example, if you’re suffering from a burst pipe, shut off the water supply. Or, if you have a faulty water heater, cut the supply to that fixture.

In the case of stormwater or sewage backups, you’ll likely need professional help to stop the source.

Step 2: Remove Standing Water Safely

Removing water from the basement is crucial. Remove as much flood water as possible by:

• Using wet-dry vacuums and pumps to suck up water.
• Squeegeeing water into floor drains. If floor drains are clogged, try plunging or using a drain snake to remove the clogs. 
• Turning on a portable sump pump.

If you don’t own water removal equipment, you can typically rent a pump from a tool rental store. However, if you don’t want to deal with the hassle, you can call in a professional to handle the water removal from your basement.

Step 3: Clear Out Wet Items and Debris

Remove wet rugs, boxes, furniture, and other absorbent items as soon as it's safe. Leaving soaked items in place can encourage mold and mildew, making the cleanup job even harder later on.

Anything that can’t be dried quickly should be discarded.

Step 4: Dry the Area Thoroughly

After water removal, dry out the affected area with fans and dehumidifiers to prevent mold and mildew from forming. If possible, open doors and windows to help maximize air circulation.

In moderate to severe flood situations, allow a week or more for visible moisture to disappear. It can take as long as two weeks or more for unseen moisture (such as behind walls or inside air ducts) to fully evaporate.

Step 5: Clean and Disinfect the Basement

Even after the water is gone, the area may not be safe. Everything that came into contact with the floodwater must be cleaned.

• Use household cleaners to spray down walls and nonporous surfaces
• Follow up with a disinfectant or diluted bleach solution to prevent mold growth

Mold can begin growing within 24–48 hours, so it's critical to clean and disinfect the space thoroughly.

How to Fix a Flooded Basement After Cleanup

Once cleanup is complete, it’s time to assess the damage and consider repairs. Fixing water damage in the basement may involve:

• Replacing soaked drywall, insulation, or carpet
• Removing and replacing warped flooring
• Inspecting for hidden mold or rot behind walls
• Resealing foundation cracks
• Installing or upgrading drainage systems

If you're unsure how to fix a flooded basement, especially when it involves structural damage or moisture inside your walls, it's wise to bring in a professional.

When to Call a Professional for Basement Water Removal

If your basement flood involves electrical hazards, sewage, or recurring water issues, don’t go it alone. A qualified water restoration team can:

• Safely extract large amounts of water
• Inspect your plumbing, sump pump, and foundation
• Identify hidden damage or mold
• Recommend long-term waterproofing solutions

Know What to Do If Your Basement Floods

A basement flood can strike fast and leave behind lasting damage. If you’re facing water in your basement, cleanup should begin immediately to prevent mold, mildew, and structural issues.

If you’re feeling overwhelmed by the water floodwater restoration process, call a professional water cleanup service like Roto-Rooter to begin the water cleanup and drying process. Our professional-grade drying and dehumidifying equipment will get the job done in no time.