Standing water near electrical equipment is dangerous, and every hour of flooding increases damage. Act immediately.
Call (866) 417-0220Emergency, or can it wait?
Call right away if…
- Water near outlets, the panel or appliances
- Sewage in the basement
- Water rising during a storm
Usually OK to schedule if…
- Minor dampness after rain with no standing water
Signs of basement flooding
What causes it
Sump pump failure
Failed switches, burned-out motors, power outages or frozen discharge lines stop the pump.
Sewer backup
A blocked lateral or overloaded public sewer pushes water up the floor drain.
Plumbing leak
Burst pipes, failed supply hoses and leaking water heaters flood basements fast.
Surface drainage
Downspouts and grading that direct water toward the foundation overwhelm drainage.
What you can check yourself
- Is the water clean or dirty?
- Is the sump pump running and emptying the pit?
- Is water coming from the floor drain?
- Is the water meter moving with all fixtures off?
What happens when a plumber arrives
- Test the sump pump, float and check valve.
- Inspect the floor drain and main line.
- Check supply lines, water heater and washer hoses.
- Evaluate downspouts and grading.
Repair options
| Option | When it’s used |
|---|---|
| Sump pump repair or replacement | Groundwater with a failed pump |
| Battery backup pump | Flooding during power outages |
| Main line clearing and backwater valve | Sewer water from the floor drain |
| Pipe or water heater repair | Plumbing leak source |
Basement Flooding: questions homeowners ask
Is it safe to walk in a flooded basement?
Not if water may reach outlets, cords or appliances. Shut off power to the area at the panel only if you can reach it without entering water; otherwise call the utility.
Why did my sump pump fail during a storm?
Power outages, stuck floats, clogged intakes and frozen or blocked discharge lines are the most common reasons.
How do I know if basement water is sewage?
Sewage is dark, has an odor and usually comes from the floor drain. Treat it as contaminated.
Does insurance cover basement flooding?
It depends on the source. Plumbing leaks are often covered; groundwater and sewer backup usually need separate coverage or flood insurance.
How can I prevent basement flooding?
Maintain the sump pump with a backup, install a backwater valve if backups occur, keep downspouts extended, and replace aging supply hoses.
