What to Do If Your Basement Floods

A flooded basement can be a homeowner’s nightmare—causing structural damage, ruining valuables, and posing serious health risks. Whether it’s from heavy rain, rapid snowmelt, or groundwater intrusion, knowing what to do next can help you minimize the damage, protect your family, and speed up recovery.

Here’s a step-by-step guide on what to do if your basement floods.

1. Stay Safe First

Before anything else, ensure it’s safe to enter the basement:

• Wait for official clearance if emergency services have been involved.

• Turn off power to the basement if it’s safe to do so—never walk into standing water with electricity on.

• Wear waterproof boots, gloves, and a mask. Floodwater may contain sewage, chemicals, or other contaminants.

2. Document the Damage

Before you start cleanup, take thorough photos and videos of:

• Each room and affected area (wide and close-up shots)

• Damaged appliances, furniture, electronics, and personal items

• Water lines on walls or objects

These records will be vital when filing an insurance claim.

3. Stop Further Damage

Most insurance policies require homeowners to prevent additional loss. You can:

• Remove standing water using a wet/dry vacuum, pump, or buckets

• Use fans or dehumidifiers to begin drying the space

• Dispose of soaked carpets, drywall, insulation, and furniture that can’t be saved

• Board up broken windows and tarp damaged roofs

Keep receipts and document all cleanup work.

4. Contact Your Insurance Provider

Don’t delay this step:

• Notify your insurance company immediately.

• Provide your photos, videos, and itemized list of damages.

• Ask about what’s covered, what isn’t, and if an adjuster will be assigned.

• Don’t throw anything away until cleared by your adjuster unless it poses a health risk.

If you have flood insurance, this will be separate from your homeowner’s policy. Your Marshfield Insurance agent can help navigate the claims process.

5. Hire Trusted Cleanup and Repair Help

Work only with licensed and insured contractors:

• Ask your insurance company if they recommend specific vendors.

• Get multiple bids before committing.

• Be wary of door-to-door offers or “storm chasers.”

6. Prevent It from Happening Again

After recovery, take steps to reduce the risk of future flooding:

• Install a sump pump with a battery backup

• Seal cracks in foundation walls and floors

• Install backflow valves to prevent sewer backups

• Elevate your water heater, furnace, and electrical systems

• Grade the soil around your home to slope away from the foundation

7. Consider Flood Insurance

Flood damage is not covered by standard homeowner’s policies. You’ll need:

• A separate flood insurance policy, which covers structural damage and personal property

• Consider excess flood insurance if your home’s value exceeds the standard limits

• Note that most flood policies come with a 30-day waiting period, so don’t wait for a storm to hit

📌 40% of flood insurance claims come from low or moderate-risk zones, so even if you don’t live near water, you’re not immune.

Need Help Understanding Your Coverage?

Marshfield Insurance is here to help you protect what matters most. If your home has experienced water damage—or you want to make sure you’re prepared for the next storm—our team can walk you through your options and get the right protection in place.

📞 Call us at 715-387-4443 or visit www.marshfieldinsurance.agency