Don't Panic. Here's Who to Call When Your Basement Floods

Learning that your basement is flooding is arguably one of the most frustrating things a homeowner will endure. Following these steps will help you stay calm and find a clear way through the situation

First Things First: Ensure Safety

What is the first thing to do when your basement floods? Your mind may jump to calling a plumber or turning off your water supply, but the first thing to do is ensure everyone is safe. A flooded basement poses serious hazards, including dirty, disease-laden water, electrical dangers, and the risk of drowning. Curious children and pets are especially at risk, so ensure everyone is safely away from the basement before you do anything else.

Who to Call Immediately When Your Basement Floods

An Electrician

When your basement floods, your first call should be to an electrician. Wastewater can damage your home’s wiring, resulting in electrical hazards. If you can safely access your circuit breaker, shut off your power and gas immediately. If floodwater stands between you and the circuit breaker, leave it for an electrician. Electrified water can kill. 

Any electronics in contact with floodwater are unsafe. An electrician can help you assess whether it’s safe to enter the basement and begin the water removal process.

A Licensed Plumber

Call a licensed plumber after calling an electrician. Once you are sure it’s safe to venture into the basement, you can begin the water removal process yourself by removing upholstered furniture and other belongings to a dry area.

Be careful, though. Standing water can become dangerously unsanitary very quickly. Avoid all contact if the flood involves wastewater or sewage. 

Roto-Rooter can send licensed plumbers to fix any plumbing issues that caused your basement to flood. Best of all, we’re available 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, whenever you need service, so you can trust us to get there quickly to prevent further damage.

Secondary Professionals You Should Involve

A Water Damage Restoration Company 

The water removal and drying out process requires the help of trained professionals like the Roto-Rooter Water Restoration team. Our trained professional water cleanup specialists are Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration certified (IICRC) and perform water restoration services in compliance with professional water damage and flood damage restoration standards. Roto-Rooter’s vehicles are fully equipped with state-of-the-art water extraction, drying, and moisture testing equipment to handle everything, including:

• Water and sewer damage cleanup
• Cleaning and deodorizing
• Drying of contents and structure

Your Insurance Company 

Homeowners' insurance and renters' insurance often require special insurance for flooding caused by Mother Nature. Flood coverage is an add-on to your regular policy, so make sure you’re covered before you need it if you live in a floodplain, hurricane-prone, or flood-prone region. Most standard insurance policies cover flood damage caused by appliance failure or a burst pipe.

Roto-Rooter will work directly with your insurance company throughout the water cleanup, extraction, and removal process to help your claim go as smoothly as possible. When you call your insurance company, tell them Roto-Rooter is already on the job.

Who to Call When a Basement Floods? Roto-Rooter!

With IICRC-certified water-removal experts and professional plumbers, Roto-Rooter is who to call for basement flooding and water damage restoration services. We’ll fix any plumbing problems that contributed to the flood, clean and disinfect your basement, help you with your insurance claim, and offer advice to prevent future floods. Call us: We’re here for you when you need us most!