What to do when your basement floods

If your basement is flooding, keep children and pets away from the affected area and follow instructions from local authorities when flooding is widespread. These steps can help you determine what to do first, who to call and how to begin flooded basement cleanup.

Flooded basement cleanup in 10 steps

Step 1: Put flooded basement safety first

Do not enter the basement if any of these conditions apply:

• Water may be touching outlets, electrical cords, appliances or the electrical panel.
• The water is deep, moving or entering quickly.
• The water may contain sewage, chemicals or other contaminants.
• You smell natural gas or hear a hissing sound.
• Walls, floors, ceilings or the foundation appear damaged.
• Local authorities have instructed residents to evacuate or stay out of flooded buildings.

Call emergency services when there is an immediate threat to people or the structure. Floodwater and standing water can contain germs, chemicals, sharp objects and other hazards. 

Step 2: Shut off electricity from a dry location

Standing water can create an electrical shock hazard if outlets, appliances or electrical equipment are wet. If you can reach the main electrical panel from a dry location, turn off power to the affected area or home. Do not enter standing water to reach the panel and do not touch wet electrical equipment.

If the electrical panel is in the flooded basement or you are uncertain whether the area is safe, contact a licensed electrician or your electric utility. Water-damaged electrical equipment and appliances should be inspected before they are used again.

Step 3: Leave if you suspect a natural gas leak

Floodwater can affect furnaces, water heaters and other gas appliances commonly located in basements. If you smell an odor similar to rotten eggs, hear hissing or otherwise suspect a natural gas leak, leave the home immediately.

Avoid turning lights or switches on or off, using a phone inside the home or doing anything that might create a spark. Call the gas utility or emergency services from outside and do not return until you are told it is safe.

Step 4: Identify and stop the water source if it is safe

Once electrical, gas and structural hazards have been addressed, try to identify where the water is coming from. Possible sources include:

• A burst or leaking pipe
• An overflowing fixture or appliance
• A failed sump pump
• A sewer or drain backup
• Water entering around a window or foundation
• Groundwater, heavy rain or overflowing surface water

If a burst supply pipe is the source and the main water shutoff can be reached from a dry location, closing the valve may help stop additional water. Contact a plumber for a pipe, fixture, drain or sump pump problem.

Do not try to handle sewage, deep standing water or water from an unknown source on your own. Those situations may require a utility, local wastewater department or qualified water mitigation professional.

Step 5: Document the damage before cleanup

When it is safe to do so, take photos and videos before moving belongings or removing water. Document:

• The apparent source of the water
• The water level or waterline
• Damage to floors, walls and ceilings
• Damaged appliances and mechanical equipment
• Furniture, electronics and other affected belongings
• Exterior areas where water may have entered

Start an inventory of damaged property and save receipts for cleanup supplies, temporary repairs and professional services. Contact your insurer or agent promptly and ask what documentation may be needed before damaged property is discarded.

Step 6: Know who to call when your basement floods

The cause and severity of the flooding can help determine who to contact:

Step 7: Remove standing water safely

Begin removing standing water only after the electricity has been addressed and the water source has stopped or receded.

For a small amount of water from a known clean source, towels, mops or other water-removal equipment may be useful after the electrical system has been determined safe. Follow the equipment manufacturer’s instructions. Do not use an electrical appliance while standing in water.

Call a qualified professional if:

• The water contains sewage or may be contaminated.
• The water is deep, moving or still entering the basement.
• Structural damage may be present. 
• You cannot remove the water safely.

If a fuel-powered pump or generator is used, operate it outside, at least 20 feet from any building, with exhaust directed away from doors, windows and vents. Do not run fuel-powered equipment in a basement, garage or other enclosed area because carbon monoxide can build up quickly.

Step 8: Sort and clean affected materials

After standing water has been removed, move salvageable belongings to a clean, dry and ventilated area. Waterlogged furniture and boxes may be heavier than expected, so get help before lifting large items.

Wear appropriate personal protective equipment after the area has been determined safe. Depending on the conditions, this may include protective gloves, goggles, long sleeves, long pants, boots or work shoes and an N95 respirator.

Clean hard surfaces with detergent and water. Follow product labels and do not mix cleaning products or add bleach to other chemicals. Porous items that cannot be completely cleaned and dried may need to be discarded, but check with your insurer or claim representative before disposing of damaged property unless it presents an immediate health hazard.

Step 9: Dry out the flooded basement and help prevent mold

Begin drying the basement as soon as it is safe. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) recommends cleaning and drying the home and affected belongings within 24 to 48 hours if possible. Materials that stay wet longer may be more likely to develop mold.

Consider these drying steps:

• Use dehumidifiers to remove moisture from the air.
• Open doors and windows when outdoor conditions are dry and it is safe to do so.
• Remove wet carpet, padding, drywall, insulation or other materials that cannot be cleaned and dried.
• Check wall cavities, baseboards, flooring and other concealed areas for moisture.
• Keep the heating, ventilation and air conditioning (HVAC) system off if it was flooded or may contain mold until it has been evaluated.

When electricity is safe to use, fans can help with drying when mold is not visible. If you can already see mold, do not use fans because moving air may spread mold spores into other areas. Consider professional help when mold is extensive, the HVAC system is affected or someone in the household has asthma, another breathing condition or a weakened immune system.

Step 10: Repair the cause before returning belongings

Do not return belongings to the basement until the space is clean, dry and the source of the water has been repaired. A qualified professional can help determine whether plumbing, electrical, drainage or structural repairs are needed.

If repairs include rebuilding or refinishing the space, review insurance considerations for finished basements before work begins.

When reorganizing, consider storing belongings on shelves and using sturdy plastic containers instead of cardboard boxes. Keep documents, electronics, photographs and other difficult-to-replace items out of areas prone to moisture or flooding.

Does homeowners insurance cover basement flooding?

In everyday conversation, people may call any standing water in a basement a flood. For insurance purposes, coverage may depend on how the water entered, the policy’s terms and exclusions and any optional coverage that was selected. Understanding what homeowners insurance covers can help explain why the source of the water matters.

Coverage is subject to the policy’s terms, provisions, exclusions, conditions, applicable endorsements and any applicable deductibles. Contact your insurer or agent to discuss the circumstances of a loss.

Separate flood insurance, including policies available through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), may provide coverage for external flooding. NFIP policies provide limited basement coverage. What is covered may depend on whether the policy includes building coverage, contents coverage or both and which property was damaged.

How to help prevent another flooded basement

After repairs are complete, consider these preventive steps:

• Test your sump pump periodically and follow the manufacturer’s maintenance instructions.
• Consider a battery backup or another backup power option recommended by the sump pump manufacturer.
• Clean gutters and check that downspouts direct water away from the foundation.
• Ask a plumber about recurring sewer or drain backups.
• Repair foundation cracks, window wells and grading problems with help from a qualified professional.
• Install water leak sensors near plumbing, appliances and mechanical equipment.

These measures may help reduce the likelihood or severity of future basement water damage.

If you have State Farm coverage, contact your agent or report a home claim. Your agent can help with claim reporting and questions about available coverage options.

You can get a homeowners insurance quote now, or give us a few details and a State Farm® agent will reach out to you.