What to Do If Your Basement Leaks

Hurricanes, tornadoes and other natural leaks are prompting the need to be more aware of what to do if your basement leaks. This is because standing water left in basements can be dangerous and even lethal. 

Your first step in what to do if your basement leaks is to turn off the gas and electricity in your home. If you can’t do it yourself call the gas company and electric companies immediately and inform them that you have a flood. Do not walk in any floodwater until this has been done, as there is danger of electrocution and explosion.  You may have to call an electrician to determine whether or not it is safe for you to walk in any water. 

Yet another priority is to take pictures of the damage to send it to your insurance company. Don’t forget this step as not taking pictures often makes it harder to convince insurance companies your were damaged. Do this before you start cleaning up any mess. 

When your basement is safe to walk in make sure you wear gloves, eyeglasses and high boots to protect yourself from contact with the water. You don’t know where it is from or what is in it and it could be heavily contaminated with anything from pesticides to fecal matter.  If you live in a humid climate where there has been known to be toxic mold wear a facemask. 

Most smaller floods can be cleaned up with a small pump or even a wet/dry vacuum cleaner such as ShopVac. If the flood is really deep and big however it may require a professional contractor to get it clean.