Flooded House? Here's What to Do Before Help Arrives

Whether it’s a burst pipe, a water heater mishap, stormwater, or sewage backflowing into your basement, few situations are more unnerving than watching a massive amount of water pour into your home. It’s essential to act quickly to minimize house flooding. Calling a plumber and damage restoration team is the first step, but what can you do before help arrives? Here’s advice from Roto-Rooter’s plumbing and water cleanup experts about what to do if your house floods and other important safety tips.

Ideally, of course, you never have to deal with a house flood. Check out Five Ways to Prevent Basement Flooding.

Stay Safe During a Flooded House Emergency

Your first responsibility in the event of a flood in the house is to ensure the safety of yourself and your family. Never underestimate the dangers of flooding water. If you don’t feel safe in the house, get out! 

If it’s safe to do so, turn off the electricity to flooded rooms. Do not walk or wade through water to reach the breaker box. You could be electrocuted. 

If the flood is due to a sewer line backup, you run the risk of exposure to a wide range of bacterial, viral, and parasitic organisms, so avoid contact with the water whenever possible. 

Stop the Water Source

If the flood is caused by a burst pipe or other plumbing issue, locate your home’s main water supply valve and shut it off. Doing so will stop the supply of water and minimize damage. It’s a good idea to know ahead of time exactly where the shutoff valve is located.

Protect Belongings and Valuables

As soon as it is safe to do so (you're going to hear that a lot in this article), remove belongings from the flooded area and place them on higher ground, well away from the water. Remember that water-damaged electronics pose a hazard if turned on without being completely dried. Honestly, it’s challenging to salvage flood-damaged electronics, and most will need replacing.

Document the Damage for Insurance Claims

One of the first things to do after a flood is to document all damage for insurance claims. Smartphones make this easy: take pictures or videos of all affected areas, furniture, appliances, and other belongings. Be as thorough as possible: small, inexpensive items may not seem worth claiming, but they add up and can make a significant difference in your payout.

During the insurance claim, remember to keep receipts for all repairs and cleaning services. At Roto-Rooter, we guide you through the insurance claim process and will do everything possible to make it as easy as possible. 

Immediate Steps to Take After Basement Floods

Basements often contain electrical wiring and appliances that, when combined with water, pose hazards. Here’s what to do immediately if your basement floods:

• Turn off the main breaker to your home in case floodwaters make contact with electrical systems. 
• Turn off the main water supply if the flood originates from a plumbing issue.
• Call an emergency plumber. 
• Wear protective boots, gloves, and eye protection if entering the basement. 
• Check for any signs of damage to walls, foundations, or other structural items.
• If it’s safe to do so, move items out of the basement. 

Once you’ve taken these steps, you can begin cleaning up the flooded basement. 

Cleaning Up Small Spills Before Help Arrives

If you can start cleaning up before help arrives, you can reduce the extent of the water damage. For a little water spill, mop up the water, open the windows, and use fans to dry the area. For larger spills, a wet/dry vacuum can be used. Submersible pumps are helpful in removing standing water in basements. 

FAQs About Flooded Houses

What would you do if your house flooded?

Make sure everyone is safe, then turn off the electricity if it’s safe to do so. Turn off the main water supply, move to higher ground, call a plumber, and contact your insurance company. 

How long does it take for a flooded house to dry out?

It can take 72 hours to dry a flooded room initially. Depending on the severity of the flood, it can take weeks to completely dry the area and prevent mold growth. 

Can a house be saved after a flood?

Yes, it’s possible to save a house after a flood, depending on the type of floodwater, how long the floodwater sat in the house, and the extent of the structural damage. Fast responses significantly improve the chance of saving the home. 

Do walls need to be replaced after a flood?

Yes, walls need replacing after floods. Water exposure damages drywall and encourages mold growth. Replacing the wall is the preferred option. 

Fast Response Times Save Homes and Property

The faster you take steps to fix the flood damage, the better. Calling an emergency plumber is only part of the process. Following the suggestions provided here, you can minimize water damage and save your property. Roto-Rooter has decades of expertise in flood restoration. We’ll get your home dried out and the source of the flooding fixed quickly and efficiently!