It’s an all too familiar scene for homeowners with basements: Following heavy rain or snowmelt, their sump pump fails, filling with water that leads to their basement flooding, and massive water damage to the drywall of the basement walls, basement floor, carpeting, and, depending on the amount of water, busting through basement windows. Homeowners may find it daunting to navigate basement flooding, the cleanup process, working with their flood insurance company, and dealing with damaged items that homeowners’ insurance or a flood damage clause may not cover. Often, an insurance policy will not cover groundwater or natural disasters if they are the cause of the flooded basement, even with waterproofing efforts in place.
Common Causes of Basement Flooding
Basement flooding is often the result of a failure in one or more of your home’s drainage, plumbing, or weatherproofing systems. Some of the most common causes include:
Sump Pump Failure:
If the sump pump is defective or the circuit breaker malfunctions, the pump may fail to turn on during heavy rain.
Clogged Downspouts:
Clogged downspouts disrupt the drainage system’s ability to divert rain. It’s essential to keep your gutters and downspouts clear to help prevent basement flooding.
Sewer Backups:
Sewage backups can cause basement flooding if a floor drain is not functioning correctly and allows standing water or waste from the sewer lines to accumulate in the basement.
Burst Pipes:
Burst pipes, caused by corrosion, high water pressure, or other issues, can flood a basement and create a significant mess. Cleaning up requires wet/dry vacuums and bleach to prevent mold and mildew, which are commonly associated with damp conditions.
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Tips to Use Immediately After Basement Flooding
Not sure what to do when your basement floods? The steps below will help you navigate the situation safely and effectively.
1) Electrocution Risk
● Electrical shock is the number one danger with a flooded basement. Wait for the water to recede before beginning the cleanup. If you decide to walk in the water, make sure that you shut off the electricity from the main box first.
2) Sewage and Contaminated Water
● Since the water may contain raw sewage, wear rubber gloves and boots to minimize skin contact.
● Avoid eating, smoking, or touching your face while in a flooded area, as the water may contain harmful bacteria. If you get a cut or have an open wound, seek medical attention immediately to prevent infection.
3) Children and Pets
● Do not allow any children or pets near a flooded area.
4) Water Safety
● While city tap water usually remains safe in the case of a flood, don’t turn any faucets on below the flood water. If you think that your well may be contaminated, call your local health department. If you feel the water is unsafe for any reason, do not use it. To disinfect contaminated water, boil it in a clean container for at least two minutes.
5) Gas Leak Precautions
● If there is any gas odor, don’t touch any telephones, switches, or electrical fixtures. Any spark could ignite the gas. Leave the building immediately, leaving the doors open to ensure adequate ventilation. Call the local Fire Department and gas company. Do not light a match and do not have any open flames while in or near the house.
6) Appliances
● If a furnace, water heater, washer, dryer, or other appliance gets wet in the flood, have it inspected by a qualified technician before using it. If you turn on wet electrical equipment, not only could it burn out the equipment, but you could sustain a life-threatening shock.
7) Food and Medicine
● Discard any food, personal products, or medicines that came into contact with flood water. Use a dry vacuum to remove all possible medications that fell, avoiding potential health hazards.
8) Insurance and Emergency Support
● If you have homeowners or renters insurance coverage for sewer backups or flooding, please notify your insurance company immediately. They can also advise on preventing further damage and help guide the drying process for your home.
9) Shutting off Gas at the Meter
● If your home has a gas service and the basement appliances have flooded, a professional, such as a plumber or a representative from the gas company, needs to turn off the gas at the meter located outside your home. You’ll need a wrench to turn the metal stub on the gas meter so it’s perpendicular to the pipe.
Keep These Safety Rules in Mind
● The deeper the water, the higher the danger.
● Never enter a flooded basement alone.
● Always bring a strong light source.
● Watch for debris and trip hazards.
Basement flooding can also lead to structural damage if not handled quickly and professionally.
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When to Call the Professionals
A flooded basement isn’t just a costly hassle—it can be hazardous due to the risk of electrocution. If water is present and your electrical panel is in the basement, avoid DIY fixes altogether. While some homeowners attempt to access the panel using rubber boots, stools, or ladders, this can be a life-threatening endeavor.
The safest approach is to call a licensed electrician, plumber, or water damage professional, especially if there are live circuits or plugged-in equipment, such as sump pumps or dehumidifiers. Do not enter the space if water has reached outlets or the service panel until a professional has fully drained the area and shut off the power. In extreme cases, only a utility worker or trained firefighter can safely disconnect the home from the electrical grid by removing the meter—this is not something homeowners should attempt.
Don’t Attempt to Salvage Gas or Electric Appliances
Association (NEMA) and the Gas Appliance Manufacturers Association (GAMA) both recommend replacing most flooded electrical equipment.
Discard all flooded electrical equipment, including:
● Outlets
● Switches
● Fixtures
● Wiring
● Gas-fired appliances
● Electrical motors
You can salvage drywall above the floodwater, but you must replace drywall below the floodwater. Occasionally, homeowners or restoration professionals can dry carpet, but usually, they must replace it along with the flooring.
For water removal, dry out, and sanitizing services, it’s wise to bring in professional help to avoid mold and mildew problems, as well as potential structural damage and future flooding risks.
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Need Your Flooded Basement Drained? Call The Professional Plumbers at A-1 Today!
If you have a flooded basement, you can call on our Kansas City plumbing contractors to get the job done promptly and correctly. For information about cleanup instructions and plumbing repairs, contact a Kansas City plumber from A-1 Sewer & Septic Service, Inc.! If you’re dealing with questions about basement flooding or looking to prevent future flooding, our team is here to help. Contact A-1 Sewer & Septic Service Inc. today for a quote!