Find top rated water cleanup pros in your area

It typically takes around five days for a fully flooded basement to dry out completely, but you’ll want to try to dry it out as fast as possible to minimize the overall damage and potential for mold growth. It also depends on the extent of the flooding. A fully flooded basement will take longer to dry than a partially flooded basement.

To clean up a flooded basement, first have your basement professionally inspected to determine the extent of the damage and stability of the structure. Following the inspection, contact your insurance company. After that, pay for the cost to remove standing water from the basement as soon as possible, which can cost around $1,300 to $5,500. Once the water is removed, you can begin cleaning, drying, and sanitizing.

According to the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), most flood insurance policies cover cleanup expenses, including pumping out water, labor, mold treatment, cleaning solutions, and more. Many policies also include building coverage, which covers damages for items connected to a power source or installed in their functioning location. This includes furnaces, water heaters, central ACs, sump pumps, and electrical outlets. It’s essential to check your insurance policy to see what’s covered by your plan.

To prevent basement flooding in heavy rain, you can take precautions using various methods to waterproof your basement. Waterproofing your basement costs around $4,800, but avoiding a flood can save you money and hassle. Whether you need a crack repaired, a sealant applied to your foundation, or pipes and gutters repaired, it’s best to seek a professional basement waterproofing company near you to do the work safely and correctly.