Basement flooding is extremely overwhelming and stressful. No matter if its the result of malfunctioning plumbing or caused by a severe storm, you need to know who to call when your basement floods. Our list of who to call about basement flooding will help regardless of whether you plan to clean up the flooding yourself or hire a water damage company to deal with the damage for you.
Who to Call About Basement Flooding
- Electrician – You should call an electrician if the water or sewage comes within 2 inches of electrical outlets, has submerged electrical appliances, or is near electrical pannels.
- Water Damage Restoration Company – If the water is more than 6 inches deep or has affected more than 10 square feet, contact a water damage company.
- Equipment Rental Company – For minor floods, contact an equipment rental company if you plan to clean up the damage on your own.
- Plumber – Call a certified plumber for repairs or replacement if the cause of the flood is malfunctioning plumbing fixture or appliance.
- Insurance Company – Once you have made emergency repairs or started the water extraction process, contact your insurance company. Remember to document the damage prior to beginning cleanup.
When it’s Safe to Cleanup a Basement Flood on Your Own
While this is a common question, the answer isn’t always the same for everyone. It largely depends on the equipment you have, your expertise with cleanup and renovations, and the time you have available. You can likely clean up a basement flooding on your own if:
- The water is less than 4 to 6 inches in depth or the sewage is less than 1 inch in depth
- The overall area affected is less than 10 square feet
- You have heavy-duty rubber boots, long rubber gloves, eye protection, and a ventilator
- You have professional-grade air movers and dehumidifiers or are willing to rent them
- The water or sewage has sat less than 24 hours
- You have at least 72 hours to dedicate to cleanup efforts
When You Should Call a Professional Flood Cleanup Company
Although you may want to clean up a basement flood on your own, you should only do so when you can complete the process quickly and safely. You should hire a professional flood cleanup or water damage company if:
- The water is more than 6 inches deep or is near electrical outlets or the sewage is more than 2 inches deep
- The overall area affected is larger than 10 square feet
- You do not have the proper safety gear
- You do not have or cannot rent the right equipment
- The water or sewage has sat longer than 24 hours
- You don’t have the time or skill necessary to properly clean up up the flood
Is it Cheaper to Cleanup Basement Flooding On My Own
Unfortunately, this isn’t as straightforward question as you may think. If you have the necessary equipment, experience, and time, then yes, cleaning up a basement flood on your own will likely be cheaper.
However, improperly cleaning up after a basement flood will likely cost even more than hiring a professional from the start. Time is critical during flood cleanup and the longer you take, the greater the damage. This includes both weakened and deteriorating materials like drywall and cabinets, as well as an increased chance of mold.
Using consumer-grade fans can take twice or even three times as long to dry water materials. Without a moisture meter, you may think surfaces are dry when they are actually still wet inside. Plus, mold can grow after a groundwater flood in as little as 24 to 48 hours. If there is sewage involved, this increases your chances of mold. After a sewage flood, mold can appear in as little as 12 to 24 hours.
If you improperly cleanup a basement flood on your own, you may still need to hire a professional to complete the job. Not only have you already spent your own time, effort, and money but expect their cost to be higher as well. This is because they will need to perform more work than if they had started immediately after the flood.
Another thing to consider is whether your insurance will cover the damage. Most flooding is covered by insurance as long as it does not involve groundwater. Although you may think doing it yourself will save you money, your insurance company might pay for professional restoration services.
Who to Call When Your Basement Floods
Electrician
Depending on the circumstances of your basement flooding, you may need to hire a certified electrician. An electrician can safely shut off the power in your home and make necessary repairs to ensure you are safe. In the event of a serve flood, they can also assist if the power needs to be shut off from the street. Once the water or sewage is extracted and the area is completely dry, they can then inspect your electrical system to ensure it is safe. If necessary, they will perform repairs as well.
Water Damage Restoration Company
Water damage restoration companies have the equipment and experience to quickly and effectively extract water and dry your basement after a flood. After a thorough assessment and estimate, they can begin work immediately. In most cases, they will start by extracting the standing water. Then they will place air movers and dehumidifiers to efficiently dry your flooded basement.
As necessary, they will remove and dispose of damaged materials. Then they will clean and disinfect the area to prevent odors and mold from developing over time. Finally, they will restore your basement to its original condition. This includes hanging new drywall, installing carpeting, and any other reconstruction necessary. In most cases, they can bill your insurance directly too.
Equipment Rental Company
If you plan to do your own flooded basement restoration, you should contact an equipment rental company. For water deeper than a few inches, you’ll need a submersible pump to remove standing water and sewage. Make sure you get a pump with a hose long enough to run from your basement all the way outside and away from your home. This will help prevent the water from re-entering your home.
Additionally, you’ll want at least 1 professional-grade air mover and dehumidifier for every 5 to 10 square feet of flooded area. Once the standing water is removed, place the air movers and dehumidifiers throughout your basement. Allow them to run for at least 6 to 12 hours before adjusting their position. Let them run for 12 to 24 hours after you think surfaces are dry. Then clean with bleach and water to prevent odors and mold.
Plumber
If your basement flood was the result of a plumbing issue, you should hire a certified plumber. Common plumbing issues include burst pipes, water heater failures, washing machine malfunctions, and leaky water lines. If the water is still flowing from a plumbing fixture or appliance, a plumber can make emergency repairs or shut off the water supply entirely. As necessary, they can then make repairs or replace broken plumbing fixtures once the water damage is repaired.
Insurance Company
You should begin documenting the damage for an insurance claim as soon as possible. However, contacting your insurance company can wait until you’ve already contacted a water damage company or other professional. Most water damage companies will help you document the damage and will even call your insurance company with you. This ensures you get the maximum coverage after a basement flood.
Get 24 Hour Basement Flood Cleanup Services
No matter the cause of your basement flooding or the extent of the damage, our flood cleanup specialists offer 24 hour services and 30-minute rapid response. Call 1-888-443-3110 now for a free estimate on flood damage restoration services from our on-call restoration specialist near you.
