What to Do When Your Basement Floods

A flooded basement is stressful, but the actions you take in the first hour shape how much you lose. Here's what to do — and what not to.

Do this first

1. Stay safe. Don't enter standing water if it could be touching outlets, the furnace or the water heater. Shut off power to the area only if you can do so safely from a dry spot.
2. Stop the source if you can. For a burst pipe, shut off the main water valve.
3. Document everything. Photos and video before any cleanup — this protects your insurance claim.
4. Call for help. A 24/7 restoration crew can pump out water and start drying before mold sets in.

What to avoid

• Don't wade into water near electrical sources
• Don't use a household vacuum to remove water
• Don't assume it's “just water” — backups can be contaminated
• Don't wait — mold can start within 24–48 hours

Then what?

A certified crew pumps out the water, dries the space, sanitizes it and addresses the cause. See our flooded basement cleanup service, and check whether your insurance covers it.