Basement Flood Cleanup
Basements flood from groundwater, failed sump pumps, sewer backups and burst pipes. Cleanup pumps out the water, removes ruined materials, sanitizes and dries the space.
Basement flood cleanup is the pumping, cleaning, sanitizing and drying of a flooded basement, crawl space or lower level. Because basements sit below grade, they collect water from several sources, and the source decides how the cleanup is handled.
Keep power off in the basement until it is safe, find out where the water came from, and start pumping and drying fast. Water from a sewer backup or outside flooding is treated as contaminated.
Where basement water comes from
- Sump pump failure: a power outage or worn pump lets groundwater fill the pit and overflow.
- Foundation seepage: water pushes through cracks and the joint where the floor meets the wall.
- Sewer and floor drain backups: see sewage backup cleanup.
- Burst pipes and water heaters: clean water from inside the home.
What cleanup includes
- Pumping out standing water with submersible pumps.
- Removing wet carpet, pad, insulation and finished drywall as needed.
- Cleaning and disinfecting concrete, framing and stored items.
- Drying with air movers and dehumidifiers until readings are normal.
- Checking for mold before finished walls go back up.
Preventing the next flood
A battery backup sump pump, clean gutters, downspouts that drain away from the house and a backwater valve on the sewer line all lower the risk. Ask the crew what caused your flood so the fix matches the problem.
Sewer backup coverage usually requires a separate endorsement on a homeowners policy. See the insurance guide.
Need help right now?
Call or send the form. Your request goes to an independent local restoration company that serves your area, and they contact you to set up an inspection and a written estimate.
Call now(940) 274-9880- Free to call or request an estimate
- Independent local restoration companies
- Water removal, drying, mold and repairs
- Photos and drying logs you can share with your insurer
Request a free estimate
Takes about a minute. No cost to request.
Blue Star Water Damage is a free information and referral service, not a restoration contractor. Calls and estimate requests are connected to independent restoration companies that serve your area. Those companies set their own prices and do the work.
From first call to finished repairs
The restoration industry follows the IICRC S500 standard for water damage. Here is what that looks like in plain words.
- 01
Call
Tell us what happened and where. We connect you with an available local restoration company that serves your ZIP code.
- 02
Inspect
The crew stops the source, checks for electrical hazards, classifies the water and maps how far moisture has spread with meters and thermal imaging.
- 03
Mitigate
Standing water is extracted, ruined materials are removed and drying equipment is set up. Moisture readings are logged every day.
- 04
Restore
Once materials hit their dry goal, repairs begin: drywall, flooring, paint and anything else the water took out.
- 1First hours
Stop and protect
Water shut off, power checked, valuables moved, photos taken.
- 2Hour 2 to 8
Extract
Pumps and extractors remove standing water from floors and carpet.
- 3Day 1 to 4
Dry and monitor
Air movers and dehumidifiers run while moisture is checked daily.
- 4Day 4 and on
Rebuild
Drywall, floors and finishes are repaired after the dry goal is met.
Where we connect homeowners
Local pages with area facts, common causes and local conditions.
Common questions
Is a flooded basement covered by insurance?
It depends on the source. Burst pipes are often covered. Sewer backups need a backup endorsement, and outside groundwater or flooding usually needs flood insurance.
How do I pump water out of my basement?
For more than an inch or two of water, a submersible pump is needed. Keep power off in the basement until an electrician or the crew confirms it is safe.
Can basement carpet be saved?
Only if the water was clean and it is dried within a day or two. Carpet touched by sewage or groundwater is removed.
How long does basement drying take?
Usually about 3 to 5 days. Concrete walls and floors can take longer to reach normal readings.