By PuroClean Disaster Response
If you discover a basement flood, stay out of standing water and keep children and pets away. Avoid wet electrical equipment. Stop a plumbing leak only if the shutoff is accessible from a dry, safe location. Call PuroClean Disaster Response at 732-366-9300 for help with water damage mitigation and restoration in Middlesex, NJ.
On this page: Six steps to take · Why professional restoration matters · Common causes · What restoration involves · Prevention
Picture this: you wake up, pour yourself your morning coffee, and head downstairs to check on last night’s laundry. There’s only one problem: you can’t check on the laundry because you’d be knee-deep in water. You realize you have a basement flood. That’s what happened to one of our clients. They called us early one morning to report the flood. One of the most important things to do is to call our water damage restoration experts, but here are some things we told them to do before we could arrive, if it was safe to do so.
What to Do After a Basement Flood
No matter the time of day, these are never fun problems to have. Thankfully, there are some things you can do to lessen the impact of the damage before we arrive:
Six Steps to Take Next
- Shut off the water source, if applicable – If the basement flood was caused by a clean-water tap left on overnight and there are no electrical hazards, turn off the valve if you can get to it safely. Note: Only attempt this if there are no electricity issues.
- Figure out where the water came from if not the sink – This is optional, but it can help our professionals know where to start once they arrive. However, only attempt to figure out the water source if you can see it easily. You should never wade through flood water to find the cause, as the water may be contaminated.
- Do not touch anything unnecessarily – As mentioned, don’t go digging around in the water for the source or for belongings, as the water may be contaminated. Also, stay away from any electrical equipment, power outlets, or any home materials that could be damaged.
- Leave the basement – If many of your home’s materials have been compromised, it is safest to leave the basement until we arrive.
- Move any dry belongings upstairs – If it is safe for you to get any unaffected belongings, move them to a dry location so they don’t get damaged if the water spreads.
- Take pictures of any damage – Again, only attempt to take pictures of damage if it is safe to do so. Any documentation you can gather will help with insurance claims later.
Why Do I Need a Restoration Company After a Basement Flood?
To cut costs, you may be willing to forgo a restoration company. This is not something we would suggest, as recovering from a basement flood is not as easy as it may seem.
Firstly, as mentioned before, water may be contaminated. Dirty water from a failed sump pump, drains, or even a broken washing machine puts you at risk. If you are not wearing the proper PPE (personal protective equipment), any contact with the water could be hazardous.
Secondly, water does not like to stay put. If the basement flood happened overnight or involves a bigger water damage event, chances are there is hidden water damage along with visible puddles. Water can easily seep under flooring and into walls, which is why pumping alone rarely solves the issue.
That is why our IICRC-certified water restoration professionals are only one call away. Having helped property owners recover for over sixteen years, our experts have the knowledge and training it takes to handle your water damage event. Our experts will leave your house looking and smelling brand new. They are equipped with industry-standard techniques, state-of-the-art restoration tools, and proper PPE so they can start solving your problem as soon as you call.
Common Causes of Basement Flooding
A flooded basement can have more than one source. Heavy rain may expose drainage or foundation problems, while a failed sump pump can leave water with nowhere to go. Broken pipes, leaking appliances, and sewer backups are other possible causes. Note what you can see from a safe location and tell the restoration team when the water first appeared.
Finding and repairing the source is part of preventing another loss. Depending on the cause, you may also need a plumber or a drainage specialist. Do not enter floodwater to investigate.
What Professional Basement Flood Restoration Involves
Removing visible water is only part of the job. Our local water damage restoration service includes assessing affected materials, extracting standing water, setting up drying equipment, and monitoring moisture. The condition of the materials and any contamination help determine what can be dried and what may need removal.
Ask the team which areas are affected, what the drying plan involves, and how progress will be checked. Water hidden beneath flooring or inside walls may remain after the floor looks dry.
How to Reduce the Risk of Another Basement Flood
Once the immediate problem is resolved, review the source of the water. Keep gutters and downspouts clear, check where runoff goes, and have drainage concerns assessed. Maintain your sump pump according to its manufacturer’s instructions and discuss backup options with a qualified installer. Check accessible plumbing and appliance connections for leaks, and consider a water alarm near vulnerable areas.
Store important belongings above floor level where practical. These steps can reduce risk, but they cannot guarantee that a basement will never flood.
Can I Use the Basement Once the Water Is Gone?
Do not assume that removing standing water makes the space ready to use. Electrical equipment, contaminated surfaces, and wet building materials may still need assessment. Ask the appropriate professionals when the area can be used again.
Why Choose Our Local Restoration Team?
PuroClean Disaster Response serves property owners from our office at 432 Lincoln Blvd in Middlesex, NJ. Learn more about our local team and restoration experience, or call to discuss what happened at your property.
If you or someone you know has had a basement flood, call PuroClean at 732-366-9300 or fill out our contact form today.
