Emergency · Basement Flooded Right Now?
Basement Flooding Emergency — Act in the Next 60 Minutes
Standing water in your basement? Follow this exact sequence: safety first, pump planning, documentation, and when to call IICRC-certified pros before mold starts. Call (888) 840-6512 to reach a certified water damage restoration company in your area; the line is answered 24/7.
Quick answer
Do not step into a flooded basement until the power to it is off at the breaker — water reaching outlets or the panel is what makes this dangerous rather than merely expensive. Once the power is off, photograph everything before moving anything, get the water out, and treat it as contaminated: water that has come up through a drain or across the ground is Category 3 regardless of how it looks. Basements typically run $2,500–$15,000 and the mold clock on wet drywall, pad and stored boxes is about 48 hours. To get a certified crew's arrival window for your address, (888) 840-6512, answered 24/7.
Press 1 for water damage or 2 for mold, then your 5-digit ZIP. The line goes quiet for about half a minute while it connects — that is normal, stay on. Have ready: the address with ZIP, when the water started, what is wet now, and whether you have opened an insurance claim.
The calls in order, and why: Who to call when your basement floods
Emergency checklist
Do NOT enter a flooded basement if water may have reached electrical outlets — cut power at the main breaker first
⚠ Electrocution risk is the biggest basement flooding hazard
Identify the water source: groundwater seepage, sump pump failure, sewer backup, or supply line break
⚠ Sewage backup (Category 3) requires full evacuation until decontaminated
Photograph water depth marks on walls, damaged items, and the entry point before pumping
⚠ Insurance adjusters need pre-cleanup evidence
If safe and Category 1 water: use a submersible pump to remove standing water — never use a household vacuum
⚠ Pump toward a drain away from the foundation, not into the yard toward the house
Call an IICRC-certified restoration company — basement flooding requires commercial dehumidifiers and moisture mapping
⚠ Consumer dehumidifiers cannot dry concrete walls or subfloor in time
Call your insurer immediately — ask if sewer backup rider applies if water came from floor drain
⚠ Standard homeowners insurance does NOT cover groundwater flooding without flood insurance
Mold growth timeline
Mold Growth Clock
What happens hour by hour after water damage
0h
elapsed
Water Intrusion
lowHour 0Water enters the structure. Clock starts NOW.
Recommended Action
Shut off water source, move valuables off floor, begin documentation with photos/video.
Next milestone: Absorption Begins at 1 Hour
All Milestones
Basement Flooded Right Now? FAQ
Is basement flooding covered by homeowners insurance?
It dependsOn the source. Burst pipes and appliance failures are typically covered.
Groundwater seepage, sump pump failure (without a rider), and river flooding are usually excluded. Sewer backup may be covered only if you have a sewer backup endorsement.
Can I pump the basement myself?
For clean water (Category 1) from a broken supply line, yes — if electrical safety is confirmed. For gray or black water, or if water exceeds 2 inches and covers outlets, wait for professionals with proper PPE and extraction equipment.
How long before mold grows in a flooded basement?
Mold can begin colonizing within 24–48 hours in a humid basement. Concrete and block walls retain moisture for weeks without commercial drying equipment. Start professional drying within the first 24 hours.
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
Read the full guide: basement flooding emergency response
(888) 840-6512