A flooded basement is stressful, but the steps you take in the first hour can save thousands of dollars and prevent mold. Here's exactly what to do — and what to avoid.
1. Stay Safe First
Do not walk into standing water until you know it's safe. Water and electricity are a deadly mix. If it's safe to reach your electrical panel, shut off power to the basement. If the panel is in the flooded area or you're unsure, stay out and call an electrician or your utility.
2. Stop the Source (If You Can)
If the flooding is from a burst pipe or an appliance, shut off your home's main water valve. If it's from a storm, sewer backup, or groundwater, you can't stop it at the source — focus on safety and getting help.
3. Protect Belongings
Once it's safe, move furniture, electronics, and valuables to a dry level. Lift anything you can off the wet floor. Don't risk your safety for possessions.
4. Don't Try to Pump It Out Yourself
A shop vac or small pump can't keep up with a real flood, and it leaves moisture behind in the slab, walls, and framing that quietly feeds mold. Professional submersible pumps and extractors remove the water fast and completely.
5. Document Everything for Insurance
Take photos and video of the water and damage before any cleanup. This documentation supports your insurance claim.
6. Call a Certified Restoration Company
Basements are dark and humid, so mold can start within 24 to 48 hours. The faster water is extracted and the space dried, the more you can save. A certified team pumps out the water, dries the structure, sanitizes, and prevents mold — and documents it all for your claim.
Dealing with water damage in Queens right now? Our IICRC-certified crews are available 24/7, usually on-site within the hour.
Call (347) 594-1175