Water in the Basement: Stay Safe, Find the Source, and Decide Who to Hire

Stay Safe First

Your safety is the most important thing when you find water in your basement. Water and electricity are a dangerous mix. If there is standing water, do not step into it to turn off the power yourself or to use electrical items. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) advises that if you can turn off the main power from a dry spot, do so. If you must enter standing water to reach the main power switch, call an electrician. They can safely turn off the power. An electrician should also check your home’s electrical system before the power is turned on again. Never turn power on or off yourself or use an electric tool or appliance while standing in water.

Gas leaks are another serious danger. If you smell gas or think there might be a leak, leave your house right away. Open all windows if you can do so safely. Do nothing that could cause a spark. Call your gas company or the police or fire department immediately. Do not go back inside until you are told it is safe.

Find the Water Source

Identifying where the water is coming from helps you fix the problem correctly. There are a few common sources for basement water.

Plumbing Leaks

Leaks in your home’s plumbing can waste a lot of water and cause damage. The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) WaterSense program suggests a simple test. Check your water meter. Then, do not use any water for two hours. Check the meter again. If the meter reading has changed, you likely have a leak somewhere. You can also check your toilets for leaks. Put a few drops of food coloring into the toilet tank. If color appears in the bowl after 10 minutes, the toilet is leaking. Flush right away to avoid staining. The EPA notes that a family of four using more than 12,000 gallons of water per month in a colder month might have serious leaks.

Groundwater Seepage

Water can seep into your basement from the ground outside. This is often called groundwater seepage. The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) suggests that a sump pump can be a great way to protect against this. A sump pump moves groundwater away from your home. Choose a sump pump with a battery backup. This way, it can still work if the power goes out. Also, make sure the ground around your home slopes away from the foundation. This helps rainwater drain away. Clean your gutters, downspouts, and splash pads regularly so rainwater flows away from your house.

Sewer Backup

Sewer backup happens when wastewater flows back into your home through drains. This can be unpleasant and unhealthy. To prevent this, FEMA suggests using drain plugs for all basement floor drains. You can also have a qualified, licensed plumber install sewer backflow valves on pipes entering your home. These valves allow water to flow only one way. This stops floodwater and wastewater from backing up into your home through toilets, sinks, and other drains. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP) states that a sewer backup during a heavy rainstorm is covered by insurance, but a backup caused by clogged pipes is not.

Dry Out and Clean Up

Once the water source is stopped and it’s safe, you need to dry out your basement. If your home was closed up for several days after flooding, the CDC says you should assume mold is present. After an electrician says it’s safe to turn on the electricity, you can start removing standing water. You can use a wet-dry shop vacuum, an electric-powered water transfer pump, or a sump pump. Wear rubber boots in wet areas. Then, use fans and dehumidifiers to remove moisture. Place fans at a window or door to blow air outward. This helps prevent spreading mold spores.

It’s also important to have your heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning (HVAC) system checked and cleaned. A professional experienced in mold cleanup should do this. If your HVAC system was flooded, turning it on could spread mold throughout your house.

Consider Your Insurance

Understanding your insurance coverage is important for water damage.

Homeowners Insurance and Flood Insurance

Most homeowners insurance policies do not cover flood damage, according to FEMA. Flood insurance is a separate policy. You can get it to cover your building, its contents, or both. The National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP), managed by FEMA, offers this coverage. It’s available to anyone in one of the 22,600 participating NFIP communities. However, an NFIP policy does not cover certain items, such as currency, precious metals, or personal property kept in basements. It also won’t cover temporary housing or lost business income.

Sewer and Sump Backup Coverage

Water and sewer backup coverage is usually not part of a standard homeowners or renters insurance policy. The Michigan Department of Insurance and Financial Services suggests talking to your insurance agent about adding this. This coverage can be helpful if you have a finished basement or personal items stored there. It covers water backup through a sewer or drain. It also covers water overflowing from a sump, even if it’s due to a sump pump breaking down. This coverage pays up to a maximum amount you choose. It typically does not cover flood loss, fixing a broken sump pump, or problems from lack of maintenance.

Who to Hire

Depending on the source and extent of the water damage, you may need different professionals.

• Electrician: Always call an electrician if you need to turn off power while standing in water or if your electrical system was submerged.
• Plumber: Hire a qualified, licensed plumber to fix plumbing leaks or to install backflow valves to prevent sewer backups.
• Cleanup Professional: The EPA suggests professional help for moldy areas larger than about 10 square feet (roughly 3 feet by 3 feet). You should also get professional help for extensive water damage, if sewage or contaminated water is involved, or if your heating and cooling system might be contaminated.
• HVAC Professional: Have an HVAC professional experienced in mold cleanup check and clean your system if it was flooded before you use it.

The Federal Trade Commission (FTC) advises hiring contractors who are licensed and insured. Ask for proof of insurance. You can also check a contractor’s license with your state or county government.

Steps to Take When You Find Water in Your Basement

1. Stop Entry: If safe, turn off the main power from a dry location. If not, call an electrician. If you smell gas, leave and call emergency services.
2. Protect Yourself: Do not step into standing water to turn off power or use electrical items. Wear rubber boots if you must work in wet areas after power is off.
3. Find the Source: Check your water meter for plumbing leaks. Look for signs of groundwater seepage. Consider if sewer backup is possible.
4. Stop the Source: If it’s a plumbing leak, turn off the main water supply if you know how. For groundwater, ensure your sump pump is working or consider installing one. For sewer backup, use drain plugs or call a plumber for a backflow valve.
5. Remove Water: Once safe, use a wet-dry shop vacuum or pump to remove standing water.
6. Dry Thoroughly: Use fans to blow air outward and dehumidifiers to remove moisture.
7. Inspect and Clean: Look for mold. Clean and sanitize affected areas. If the moldy area is more than about 10 square feet, if there is extensive water damage, if sewage or contaminated water is involved, or if your heating and cooling system may be contaminated, call a cleanup professional.
8. HVAC Check: Have an HVAC professional check your system if it was flooded before you use it.
9. Contact Insurance: Talk to your insurance agent about adding water and sewer backup coverage, and ask about flood insurance if you do not have it, as most homeowners policies do not cover flood damage.

When This Advice May Not Fit

This advice is a general guide. You should seek help from a qualified professional if:

• You need to turn off power but must enter standing water.
• You smell gas or suspect a gas leak.
• Your home’s structural parts (like walls or foundation) are damaged.
• The water damage is extensive, involves sewage, or you find mold in an area larger than about 10 square feet.
• Your heating, ventilating, and air-conditioning system was flooded.
• You need to work on your electrical panel or gas lines.

Always contact your insurance provider or agent to understand your specific coverage and how to file a claim. For issues related to lead paint or asbestos, always hire professionals trained and certified for safe removal.