The short answer
Safety First
Before you touch anything, turn off the electricity to the basement at the main breaker if it is safe to do so. If the breaker is in the flooded area, call an electrician to handle it. Also shut off the water supply to prevent further leakage. Wear rubber boots and gloves, and avoid wading if you suspect sewage or chemical contamination.
Check for structural damage like sagging ceilings or cracked walls before entering. If you smell gas, leave and call the gas company. Have a flashlight with fresh batteries, since the power may be off. If you feel unwell, see a doctor. Your safety matters more than saving belongings.
Remove Standing Water
Once it is safe, pump out the water using a submersible pump for deep water or a wet-dry vacuum for shallow puddles. Work from the farthest corner toward a floor drain or outside exit. Move wet items out as you go, but do not drag heavy furniture across a soaked carpet as that can damage the floor underneath.
If the water level is high, work in stages, pumping out a few inches at a time to avoid weakening the foundation. Check the water for mud and debris, and rinse the area with clean water after the bulk is gone. For a large flood, the pros have industrial pumps and extraction equipment that handle this faster.
- Use a submersible pump for water deeper than two inches.
- For shallow water, a wet-dry vacuum works well.
- Move furniture and boxes to a dry area as you work.
- Open windows and doors to improve airflow.
- Do not operate electrical equipment in standing water.
Dry Out the Space
After removing the water, dry the basement thoroughly to prevent mold growth. Set up fans and a dehumidifier, and run them continuously for several days. If the weather is dry, open windows and doors to let in fresh air. Remove wet carpets, padding, and drywall that have soaked up water, as these are hard to dry fully.
Use moisture meters to check walls and floors if you have them, or tap surfaces to listen for hollow sounds that indicate trapped moisture. In a mild marine climate with wet winters, drying can take longer, so be patient. The pros use structural drying and dehumidification equipment that speeds up the process and reduces the chance of hidden moisture.
Clean and Disinfect
Once the area is dry, clean all hard surfaces like concrete floors, walls, and shelves with a detergent and warm water, then rinse. Disinfect with a solution of one cup of bleach per gallon of water, or a commercial disinfectant. Wear gloves and a mask to avoid inhaling dust or mold spores. Clean items that you plan to keep, like glass or metal, and throw away anything porous that cannot be thoroughly cleaned.
For upholstered furniture, mattresses, and pillows, decide if they are worth salvaging. Floodwater can leave behind bacteria and odors that are hard to remove. If you choose to keep them, professional upholstery cleaning may help. For sentimental or valuable items, consider on-site contents cleaning, where the pros work on your belongings in place.
- Wash hard surfaces with detergent and water first.
- Disinfect with a bleach solution or commercial cleaner.
- Discard porous items like mattresses and carpet padding.
- Rinse everything with clean water after cleaning.
- Allow surfaces to air dry completely before using the room.
When to Call the Pros
If the floodwater came from sewage, chemicals, or a long-standing leak, the cleanup may require professional help. The pros have the equipment and training to handle contaminated water, remove damaged materials, and dry the structure thoroughly. They also know how to prevent mold and mildew from taking hold.
Before you start, check your insurance policy to see what is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. If you live in Redmond, keep a list of local water damage pros on hand for future emergencies. For a major flood, a professional cleanup can save you time and reduce health risks.
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Call (425) 407-5186 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (425) 407-5186Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry a flooded basement?
Drying can take anywhere from a few days to several weeks, depending on the extent of the water, the materials involved, and the humidity. Running fans and a dehumidifier speeds it up. If you have thick concrete walls, moisture can take longer to leave.
Can I clean up a flooded basement myself?
You can handle small, clean-water floods with basic equipment like a wet-dry vacuum and fans. For large floods, sewage, or contaminated water, it is safer to hire the pros. They have industrial pumps, heaters, and moisture meters to do the job thoroughly.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Throw away anything porous that soaked up floodwater, such as carpet, padding, drywall, insulation, mattresses, and upholstered furniture. Also discard food, medicine, and cosmetics that came into contact with floodwater. Hard surfaces like glass, metal, and plastic can be cleaned and kept.