What to do when your basement floods
Key takeaways:
Flooding can cause major destruction outside, but it can also wreak havoc if it happens inside your house. If you’re experiencing a flooded basement, there are steps you can take to remedy the problem and prevent it from happening again.
What causes a flooded basement?
If your basement floods, it’s important to determine what caused it so it can be properly repaired. There are several common causes of basement flooding, including:
Poor drainage systems
A home drainage system consists of pipes and drains that remove wastewater and rainwater from the house. These systems prevent standing water from building up, potentially leading to flooding. If a drainage system isn’t designed properly with positive grading or has damaged or clogged pipes, excess water can’t escape, and it may lead to flooding.
Cracked or leaking basement walls
Basement walls and foundations can wear down over time or due to winter weather, leading to cracks or leaks. If your basement has cracks or leaking foundations or walls, water from outside can enter and lead to flooding, especially if there is heavy rain or melting snow.
Sewer backups
The sewer system in your home has drains and drain lines that need to be free from clogs and blockages to function properly. If the drain lines become overwhelmed, clogged or even break, the sewage and wastewater can back up, causing flooding in the basement.
Faulty sump pumps
A sump pump removes water from a basement or other low-lying area of a home or building to prevent flooding and water damage. If your sump pump isn’t functioning correctly, it can lead to basement flooding.
Heavy rainfall or melting snow
Any of the above-mentioned causes of basement flooding can be further exacerbated by heavy rainfall or melting snow. This is because large amounts of water can overwhelm drainage and sewer systems and cause water pooling that might seep through basement wall cracks. If a sump pump is malfunctioning, it can’t remove high volumes of water fast enough, which can lead to accumulated water and flooding.
Immediate actions to take when your basement floods
As soon as you notice your basement has flooded, there are immediate steps to take to prevent further damage and ensure your and your family’s safety. They include:
Turn off electricity (safety first)
When you see water in your basement, your first instinct may be to go down and check it out. However, it is recommended that you not enter a flooded basement until the electricity is turned off. Before you enter, you should turn off your electricity, because electrical appliances and outlets in a flood can be a shock hazard. If your circuit breaker is in your basement, call an electrician for assistance. After the electricity has been turned off, you can enter the basement and survey the damage.
Wear protective gear
When you do enter your flooded basement, you should wear protective gear or personal protective equipment (PPE) to stay safe from potential hazards. This gear includes long-sleeved shirts and pants, high rubber boots and long rubber gloves. If you suspect mold in your flooded basement, wearing an N95 or N100 face mask is ideal. Eye protection like goggles may also be handy.
Document damage for insurance claims
The next step is to document the basement flooding for insurance purposes. This can include taking pictures and videos of flood, structural and property damage. You should also write down when the flooding happened and what might have caused it. Make a list of the damaged areas and items and record their estimated value. You can also write down the serial numbers of large appliances like washers and dryers. Make sure to contact your insurance company promptly to file a claim.
Remove valuable items
If you have valuable items stored in your basement that you want to try to salvage, remove them from the flooding promptly and place them in a ventilated area to dry.
How to complete a basement flood cleanup successfully
After you have taken immediate action of turning off the electricity, removing valuable items and documenting damage for insurance purposes, it’s time to remove the water.
If the water level in your basement is high, it’s best to contact a professional for assistance with removing the water and drying the area. They may install a sump pump to drain the water. If there are small amounts of water, you may be able to handle the removal on your own. You can use a wet/dry vacuum to remove the water and then dehumidifiers and fans to dry the area.
What are the health risks of a flooded basement?
A flooded basement can carry health and safety risks, so getting the flood resolved as quickly as possible is crucial. Some of the health risks include:
- Mold growth: Mold can grow within 24 to 48 hours of water exposure and be hazardous to your health.
- Contaminated water: Floodwater can be contaminated by sewage, chemicals, pollutants, etc. and lead to respiratory and intestinal issues.
- Electrical hazards: If wiring is exposed and the electricity is not turned off, hazards like shocks and electrocutions can occur.
- Structural damage: Damage to your home’s structure can lead to safety risks if parts break, fall or collapse, potentially leading to injuries.
Preventing future basement flooding and signs of future flooding
There are several steps you can take to prevent future basement flooding. They often involve adding or repairing your home’s systems or structures. Options to prevent flooding include:
- Installing a sump pump and backup system that can move water away from the home
- Ensure proper grading around the home to prevent standing water around the foundation
- Maintain gutters and downspouts to prevent pooling water that can cause structural damage and seep into the basement
- Waterproof basement walls to prevent leaks and cracks
There are some signs you can look for to identify potential basement flooding before it happens so you can get it repaired. These signs include cracks in foundation walls, water stains on walls or floors, musty smells and persistent humidity levels in the basement.
Can a flooded basement be covered by insurance?
Many homeowners pursue a homeowners insurance policy to protect their homes and belongings from damage caused by natural disasters, structural failures and accidents.
Although standard homeowners insurance exclusions protect against many natural disasters (check out our natural disasters guide), most exclude damage caused by earthquakes and flooding. In fact, 90% of flood claims are not covered under standard home insurance policies.
Therefore, it’s important to obtain a separate flood insurance policy to protect yourself in the event of a home or basement flood. To get your claim approved, you should document the flood damage via photos, videos and written records.
Another option besides flood insurance that can help protect you from paying repair and replacement expenses entirely out of your own pocket is a home warranty. Home warranty plans help you pay for the repair or replacement of your covered appliances or home systems.
Although a home warranty plan itself doesn’t cover water damage, it often includes coverage on the plumbing system of your home or appliances that use a water source. Having warranty coverage for your systems and appliances helps alleviate the burden of paying for costly repairs all on your own. At Cinch Home Services, we can help you with choosing home warranty coverage* for flood damage.
Cost of repairing a flooded basement
Flooding causes more damage in the United States than any other severe weather-related event, costing an average of $5 billion a year. The costs for repairing flood damage in your basement can be very expensive, especially if you don’t have flood insurance or a home protection plan that covers your home’s systems or appliances.
According to Forbes, most homeowners will pay, on average, around $4,300 to repair a flooded basement. This number can vary widely depending on the cause of the flood, the extent of the damage and what needs to be repaired.
Water removal costs can vary depending on the amount and type of water and the size of the basement. The average cost for removing flood water professionally can range from $500 to $2,500. If you need mold remediation and removal in your flooded basement, the average cost is $2,230, according to Architectural Digest.
If your basement flood has led to structural damage that requires repair, it can cost between $3,000 and $10,000, and even more for severe structural damage. With the costs of repairing and remediating flood damage being so high, it’s important to protect yourself with the proper insurance policies and home protection plans.
Expert solutions for long-term flood prevention
When you want long-term flood prevention to protect your basement from water damage, there are basement flood mitigation techniques you can employ. Some options include installing a French drain, which is a trench filled with gravel or rock that directs water away from your home.
You can also install a backwater valve on your sewer or drain lines, which helps sewage flow out to public sewers, preventing backups and the resulting floods. Another option is to waterproof your basement with interior and exterior waterproofing techniques, including sealing cracks, applying a vapor barrier, applying waterproof sealants and more.
Get help with repair costs for basement floods
Although a home warranty plan itself doesn't cover water damage, it often includes coverage on the plumbing system or related water carrying appliances. While we don’t cover repairs from basement flooding, our service agreements feature award-winning customer service, and covered repairs are backed by our 180-day workmanship guarantee. Contact us today for more information about our plan options or to get an instant quote.
Cinch Home Services offers home protection plans for homeowners that provide coverage for repairs and replacements on home systems and appliances1, providing peace of mind and increased protection. Our Built-in Systems Plan covers essential systems within your home, including heating/cooling, electrical and plumbing2. We cover the repair or replacement of a covered item that may fail and lead to a flood – this includes plumbing system components like sump pumps and plumbing lines. Follow our blog for more info and helpful tips on all things related to home ownership, repairs and warranty.
*The product being offered is a service contract and is separate and distinct from any product or service warranty which may be provided by the home builder or manufacturer.
1 All plans are subject to terms, conditions and limitations in your service plan agreement. Deductible due at time of service call. Non-covered charges may apply to certain repairs and replacements. Coverage and pricing may vary by state. Sales tax may apply.
2 Covered items must be in good working order, with no apparent visual or operational malfunctions, as of your service agreement effective date. Non-covered, incidental charges and dollar amount caps may apply.
The information in this article is intended to provide guidance on the proper maintenance and care of systems and appliances in the home. Not all of the topics mentioned are covered by our home warranty or maintenance plans. Please review your home warranty contract carefully to understand your coverage.
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