The short answer
Safety First
Before you touch anything, shut off the electricity to the basement at the main breaker. If the water is deep or you are unsure about the panel, call an electrician. Also turn off the water supply to your home if the flooding came from a burst pipe or sewage backup. Never stand in water that might be in contact with live wiring.
Wear rubber boots, waterproof gloves, and a mask. Floodwater can contain bacteria, chemicals, and debris. If you feel unwell during the work, stop and see a doctor. If you live in Rowlett, keep your shutoff valve location written down so you can act fast in future storms.
Remove the Water
Use a submersible pump for deep water or a wet-dry vacuum for shallow puddles. Pump the water to a drain or outside, away from your foundation. For large floods, you may need to rent equipment or call the pros for structural drying and dehumidification.
Once the standing water is gone, use a mop and towels to soak up the rest. Open windows and doors if weather allows. Set up fans to move air and a dehumidifier to pull moisture out of the walls and floor. The faster you dry the space, the less chance mold has to take hold.
- Submersible pump for deep water
- Wet-dry vacuum for shallow water
- Fans and dehumidifier for drying
- Mop and towels for the final soak-up
- Check the pump before you start
Sort and Discard
Go through everything in the basement. Throw away items that are porous and soaked, such as carpet, padding, upholstered furniture, mattresses, pillows, and cardboard boxes. These can harbor mold and bacteria even after drying. If you are unsure about an item, it is safer to discard it.
For items you want to keep, like hard plastic, metal, or glass, they can be cleaned and disinfected. Books and paper that got wet are hard to save; consider taking photos of important documents. If you have valuable contents, the pros may offer on-site contents cleaning, but that depends on the item and the damage.
Clean and Disinfect
Scrub all hard surfaces, including walls, floors, and shelves, with a detergent and water solution. Then apply a disinfectant to kill germs. Use a solution of one cup of bleach per gallon of water for non-porous surfaces, but never mix bleach with ammonia. Rinse with clean water and let it dry thoroughly.
Pay attention to crevices and behind baseboards. If you have a floor drain, clean that too. For carpets that were only slightly damp, you might try steam cleaning, but if they were flooded, they should be removed. The pros can handle deep cleaning after disasters, but the decision is yours.
- Detergent and water for scrubbing
- Bleach solution for disinfecting
- Rinse with clean water after
- Dry with fans for several days
- Remove baseboards if they are soaked
Dry Out the Space
Drying is as important as cleaning. Keep fans running and the dehumidifier on until the walls and floor feel dry to the touch. Use a moisture meter if you have one. In a humid climate, drying can take longer. If you live in Rowlett, with its humid subtropical climate, expect higher humidity after storms.
Check for hidden moisture in wall cavities and under flooring. If the flooding was severe, the pros might use structural drying and dehumidification equipment. They can also inspect for water damage to the foundation. Do not rush this step, because leftover moisture leads to mold and mildew.
Need help right now?
Call (214) 730-5993 any time, day or night, and describe what happened.
Call Now (214) 730-5993Frequently asked questions
Can I clean the basement myself?
You can handle small floods with proper safety gear and equipment. For large or contaminated water, such as sewage, you need professional help. If you have health concerns or the water is deep, call the pros.
How long does it take to dry a basement?
It depends on the extent of the flooding and your drying equipment. With fans and a dehumidifier, it can take several days to a couple of weeks. Check the surfaces daily for dampness. If mold appears, act quickly.
Should I file an insurance claim?
Check your policy to see if flood damage is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Take photos of the damage and keep receipts for any supplies. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible.