My Basement Is Flooding: What Can I Do?

Drain the Basement

• Draining your basement requires a bit of effort and some time. You can purchase the supplies you need from your local hardware store. Depending on the amount of flooding in your basement, a portable sump pump may be required to reduce the water level in the basement. Pick the appropriate size and capacity sump pump to remove the excessive water from your basement.

Mop the Basement

• After you have used the sump pump to reduce the water level in your basement, you may still have some water puddles on the floor. Grabbing a mop or a squeegee to push the remaining water into the drain in the floor will help get the basement back to its pre-flooded state. You may want to mop the floor with a disinfectant to remove the smell and mildew that may be present since your basement has flooded.

Dry out the Basement

• Now that you have removed water from the basement floor, properly dry your basement to prevent the environment from becoming a breeding ground from molds and mildews. Getting a dehumidifier will completely dry the basement and remove any unpleasant odors as well. Keep track of the water levels in the dehumidifier at all times, and empty it as needed to prevent your basement from flooding again.

Warnings and Considerations

• When flooding occurs in your home, start getting the basement dry as soon as possible to prevent any damage to the foundation of your home. When drying the basement, take extreme care and caution when using any electrical appliances around moisture. Follow all manufacturer's instructions for the sump pump. Use care and caution to prevent electrical shock, injury and death.