The short answer
Safety First
Before you enter a flooded basement, turn off the power at the main breaker if it is safe to do so. If the water level reached electrical outlets or appliances, do not step into the water until a professional confirms it is safe. Wear rubber boots and gloves to avoid contact with possibly contaminated water.
If the floodwater came from a sewer or a rising river, assume it contains bacteria and other hazards. Open windows for ventilation, but keep children and pets away. If you feel unwell, see a doctor. Write down where your main water shutoff valve is located before a flood happens.
Remove Standing Water
Use a submersible pump for deep water, or a wet/dry vacuum for shallow puddles. Pump the water out slowly if the ground outside is already saturated, because rapid draining can cause walls to crack or the floor to buckle. Always discharge the water away from your foundation.
After the bulk of the water is gone, use towels and a mop to soak up the rest. Then use a squeegee to push water toward a floor drain. The goal is to get the basement as dry as possible before starting the drying process.
- Turn off power before entering
- Wear rubber boots and gloves
- Use a pump or wet/dry vacuum
- Discharge water away from the house
- Mop up remaining moisture
Dry the Air and Surfaces
Open all basement windows and doors to create cross-ventilation. Set up box fans to blow air across wet floors and walls. Run a dehumidifier continuously, and empty the collection bucket regularly. For severe moisture, a professional-grade dehumidifier may be necessary.
Remove wet carpets, rugs, and padding as soon as possible, because they hold water and can lead to mold growth. Lift wet cardboard boxes and furniture off the floor. If you have a sump pump, make sure it is working to keep groundwater from seeping back in.
Dry Out Walls and Floors
Walls made of drywall or plaster will absorb water and may need to be cut out and replaced. If the water level was low, you might be able to dry the lower portion with fans and dehumidifiers. However, if the wall is swollen or crumbling, it must be removed to prevent mold and structural damage.
Concrete floors can be dried with fans and dehumidifiers, but they may take days or weeks to fully dry. Use a moisture meter to check the humidity level in the concrete. If you are unsure, a water damage inspection can help you decide what to keep and what to remove.
- Cut out wet drywall and insulation
- Dry concrete floors with fans
- Use a moisture meter to check levels
- Remove baseboards if they are wet
- Dispose of wet carpet and padding
When to Call the Pros
If the floodwater was contaminated with sewage or chemicals, or if the basement has deep water that you cannot remove safely, call local water damage pros. They have industrial pumps, dehumidifiers, and drying equipment that can handle large-scale water damage.
The pros can also perform structural drying, which involves using specialized equipment to dry behind walls and under floors. This is important for preventing mold and rot. If you have valuable documents or photographs, document drying services can help salvage them. For minor floods, you can handle the drying yourself, but for major ones, the pros are worth considering.
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Call Now (425) 407-5186Frequently asked questions
How long does it take to dry a flooded basement?
It depends on the amount of water, the materials in the basement, and the humidity. With fans and a dehumidifier, a small flood might dry in a few days. A deep flood with saturated walls can take weeks. If you are unsure, a water damage inspection can give you a better idea.
Can I dry out my basement with just a fan?
A fan helps, but it is not enough for a serious flood. You need a dehumidifier to remove moisture from the air, and you need to remove wet materials like carpet and drywall. For a small area with low humidity, a fan may work, but for most floods, use both.
What should I throw away after a flood?
Anything that soaked up water and cannot be cleaned, such as carpet, padding, drywall, insulation, and cardboard boxes. Furniture with fabric or wood that swells may also need to be discarded. If you are unsure, a water damage inspection can help you decide what is salvageable.