Basement Water & Flooding
From an emergency at 2am to stopping seepage permanently — what to do first, what it costs, and how to keep water out of your basement for good.
In this hub
Basement Flooding Cleanup
Extraction and structural drying, 24/7
Read moreBasement Waterproofing
Interior drainage, sump systems, sealing
Read moreWho to Call When It Floods
The right call order, in order
Read moreEmergency Response Steps
What to do in the first hour
Read moreWaterproofing After a Flood
What works and what doesn't
Read moreWaterproofing vs Restoration
Two different jobs, in order
Read moreFoundation Cracks & Seepage
When a crack is the entry point
Read moreEfflorescence or Mold?
The 10-second water test
Read moreSump Pump Failure
Why it failed and what to do
Read moreSump Pump Failure Cleanup
After the pump gave up
Read moreBasement Cleanup Cost
Extraction, drying and repair prices
Read moreSump Pumps (Reviewed)
Including battery backup options
Read moreBasement Dehumidifiers (Reviewed)
Holding a basement under 55% RH
Read moreGutters & Downspouts
The least expensive fix that actually works
Read moreFrequently Asked Questions
Who do I call first when my basement floods?
Call an electrician first if water is anywhere near outlets, appliances or the panel — or shut the power off yourself only if the breaker is safely reachable and dry.
Then call a water damage restoration company, because extraction and drying are the time-critical steps and crews run 24/7. Call a plumber if the source is still active, and your insurer once the water is stopped and documented.
How much does flooded basement cleanup cost?
Basement flooding cleanup typically runs $1,000–$7,000 over about four days, covering extraction, removal of saturated materials and structural drying.
Basements are usually the most expensive room in a water loss because of volume, stored contents and finished surfaces. Category 3 water pushes the figure higher because porous materials are discarded rather than dried.
Why does my basement flood every time it rains?
Recurring rain-driven basement water almost always traces to water management outside: clogged gutters, downspouts that end at the foundation, or soil graded toward the house.
Those are the cheap fixes. If water still enters after correcting them, hydrostatic pressure is pushing groundwater through the walls or cove joint, which needs interior drainage and a sump system.
Does homeowners insurance cover a flooded basement?
It dependsEntirely on where the water came from.
A burst pipe, failed water heater or appliance line is sudden and accidental, and normally covered. Groundwater seepage and rising surface water are excluded — the latter needs separate flood insurance. Sewer backup is usually covered only if you carry that specific endorsement.
Who do I call right now for water damage?
Call (888) 840-6512. The line is answered 24 hours a day, seven days a week, and connects you with an IICRC-certified water damage restoration company that serves your area. Describe what you can see — where the water is coming from, how long it has been there, and whether it smells — the more specific you are, the faster the right company is on the line.
If the source is a pipe or an appliance, shut the main water valve first. Have four things ready and the call goes quickly: the address, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have filed an insurance claim.
Still not sure which of these is your situation? (888) 840-6512 · toll-free · answered 24/7