In a state like New Jersey, with average rainfall of over 45.0 inches per annum, a flooded basement is one of the most significant problems for homeowners.

As a result, homeowners turn to a basement water cleanup company like Perfect Restoration and Cleaning. And why wouldn’t they? The moisture breeds mold; if you don’t address it promptly, it can start to form within as little as 24 to 48 hours.

In this article, we will explore what to do when your basement floods, how professionals handle the cleanup process, estimated costs, and the role of insurance in covering water damage.

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Key Takeaways

• Mold begins to form in a water-damaged basement within 24 to 48 hours. Urgent action is necessary.
• If your basement floods, immediately turn off the power at the main breaker. Avoid contact with stagnant water due to contamination risks.
• Always call experts for Category 2 (Greywater) or Category 3 (Blackwater) contaminated water.
• Basement water cleanup generally costs between $1,382 and $6,357, with full restoration exceeding $7,000.
• Standard homeowner’s policies cover sudden and accidental damage. You would need separate flood insurance for damage from weather-related events.

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What to do when your basement floods?

Whether from a burst pipe or a heavy rainstorm, the strong flow of water can quickly damage the structural foundation of your home.

While your first instinct may be to rush in and save belongings from the water damage, the opposite is safer and wiser.

Here’s what to do when your basement floods:

Immediate actions to protect yourself and your home from water damage

Stay away from stagnant water 

Standing water harbors bacteria, viruses, and parasites. If ingested or if it enters the body through a break in the skin, it can cause diseases, such as cholera, typhoid, and mosquito-borne fatal viruses.

Turn off the power

Water and electricity are a deadly combination. A single live wire in standing water can electrify the entire area. 

If you are unable to safely reach your circuit breaker or fuse box without stepping into the water, call your electric utility company to ask them to shut off the power from the meter.

Identify the source

Identify the source of flooding. It can help you communicate your situation clearly when contacting a basement water cleanup company or your insurance provider.

Now, if it’s a plumbing issue, shut off your home’s main water supply valve. Otherwise, if it’s weather-related, wait until the rain subsides.

Call the professionals

If you can’t reach the circuit to cut off electricity, call an electrician. For structural damage, call your insurance company. 

Similarly, if the water level is rising and the water is contaminated, call a basement water removal company, such as Perfect Restoration & Cleaning. Our team will arrive in under sixty minutes to promptly remove the water, fix the damage, and restore your place to better than before.

Basement water cleanup: how to do it yourself (DIY) 

If the problem does not seem very severe, you can clean up yourself. Before you proceed, here’s what to look for:

• The water is clean and odorless.
• It’s less than an inch per square, or it’s just a spillage. 
• You can immediately stop the source with plumbing tools or a basement water cleanup kit.
• You can thoroughly dry the entire area to prevent mold from growing.

If you meet the conditions above, follow these steps:

1. Wear rubber boots, gloves, and protective eyewear, and turn off the electricity to the flooded area.
2. Use mops or towels to remove all standing water.
3. Use household fans (ceiling or pedestal) and open windows to maximize air circulation immediately. 
4. Wipe down all non-porous surfaces with a mild bleach solution to prevent mold.
5. Remove and dispose of any porous material that got wet unless it can be dried and sanitized completely.

When to call professionals?

As discussed earlier, it’s almost always a better idea to call professionals. When in doubt, look for the water contamination levels:

• Category 1 (Clean Water): Comes from a sanitary source like a broken supply line or a faucet leak. It’s safe unless left untreated.
• Category 2 (Greywater): Contains contaminants from sources such as dishwashers, washing machines, or bathwater. It may cause illness upon contact.
• Category 3 (Blackwater): Comes from sewage backups, toilet overflows, or floodwaters. It contains harmful bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens.

Even if the flooding seems minor, always call professionals when dealing with category 2 or 3 water. 

4-Step professional basement water cleanup process

Here’s what the companies, such as Perfect Restoration & Cleaning, usually do after getting your call.

Step 1. Assessment and removal of the water

First, the company assesses the water’s contamination levels. Next, they extract the filthy water using the best submersible pumps and other necessary equipment.

Step 2. Drying and dehumidification

Mold is a greater threat than stagnant water. It is especially the case in a state like New Jersey, which is often moist due to its humid summers. 

To combat mold, companies begin the drying process by using air dryers and commercial-grade dehumidifiers. 

Finally, they use thermal imaging to detect and eliminate all traces of mold and moisture.

Step 3. Sanitization and deodorization

After water extraction, contaminants, bacteria, and mold spores may still remain. Basement cleanup companies wipe tiles, walls, and other non-porous surfaces with disinfectants to ensure complete cleanup.

Step 4. Restoration and reconstruction

This is the phase where the area is fully repaired after the basement water damage cleanup is done. Drywall, paint, carpeting, wood flooring, and everything that was damaged is renewed. Experts ensure the final state is better than before.

Basement water cleanup cost

A perfect estimation can be difficult; there are numerous circumstances that impact the total pricing of a water in basement cleanup, including:

• Water category.
• Square footage and extent of damage.
• Number of team members on site.
• Equipment(s) required.
• Material restoration.

A rough estimate would be between $1,382 and $6,357 for basic basement cleanups. But you can expect to pay around $7000-8000 if the company is also taking care of the renovation and refurbishing. 

For an accurate estimation, give us a call at 888-312-4055. 

If you plan on doing it yourself, however, the costs can rack up quickly, mainly because:

1. Renting equipment can be costly.
2. Improper cleaning can leave behind mold and moisture, which may require additional professional mold removal services later, which can be an extra cost.

Basement flooding insurance

Take clear photographs and videos of the flood and all damaged property before you begin cleanup. This documentation is vital for your claim.

Coverage depends on the cause. Standard policies typically cover cleanup and repair only if the cause is sudden and accidental. For renters, insurance covers only your personal property and never the building’s structure.

Damage from natural disasters, such as flooding, is generally not covered. For that, you must purchase a separate flood insurance policy.

Perfect Restoration & Cleaning eliminates the stress of insurance claims. We work directly with your insurance provider to handle all the paperwork, guiding your claim from start to finish.

Let Perfect Restoration & Cleaning help you with basement water cleanup

A flooded basement is a major threat to your home’s structure and your family’s health. Our IICRC-certified experts specialize in complete water extraction and professional mold remediation. Let us restore your space to better than before. 

And we’re ready 24/7! Make The Perfect Call™ now.

FAQs

Who can remove water from a basement?

If it’s just a puddle, you can do it yourself. Otherwise, a basement water cleanup company, such as Perfect Restoration & Cleaning, can help remove water from the basement.

How to cleanup water damage in basement?

To clean up water damage in a basement, remove standing water using pumps or wet vacuums, dry the area with fans and dehumidifiers, disinfect all surfaces, and dispose of damaged materials. 

I need basement water cleanup; who can help?

A basement water cleanup company, such as Perfect Restoration & Cleaning, can help with basement water cleanup 24/7.