How much does flooded basement cleanup cost?

It depends on how much area got wet, the type of water, how long drying takes and what needs to be rebuilt. The company you're matched with gives you the estimate; ask for it in writing.

Is Flood Rescue Pros a restoration company?

No. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service that connects you with independent restoration companies. They perform the work and set their own prices and terms.

Can I file an insurance claim for this?

Often, if the damage was sudden and accidental. Photograph everything before cleanup, call your insurer to open a claim, and ask the restoration company to document moisture readings.

Flooded Basement Cleanup — Flood Rescue Pros

A flooded basement needs the water pumped out, the source fixed, and the space dried within a day or two before mold takes hold. Basements flood from heavy rain, a failed sump pump, a burst pipe, a water heater or a sewer backup. The source decides how the cleanup is done, so find it first.

Common causes

Cause	What to check
Heavy rain or snowmelt	Gutters, downspouts, grading, window wells, foundation cracks
Sump pump failure	Power, float switch, discharge line, backup pump
Burst or leaking pipe	Supply lines, frozen pipes on exterior walls
Water heater	Tank leaks, relief valve, supply connections
Sewer backup	Floor drain bubbling, toilets and drains backing up at the same time

Steps to clean up a flooded basement

Turn off power to the basement at the breaker if water is near outlets, appliances or the furnace. If the panel is in the flooded basement, call an electrician or your utility.
Stop the source: shut the main water valve, restore power to the sump pump, or stop using drains during a sewer backup.
Pump out standing water. A professional crew uses submersible pumps and extractors; a wet-dry vacuum only handles small amounts.
Remove wet carpet, pad, boxes and furniture.
Cut out wet drywall and insulation, especially if the water was dirty.
Dry the space with dehumidifiers and air movers until moisture readings are back to normal.
Clean and disinfect, then fix the cause before you finish the basement again.

Sewage in the basement

If the water came from a floor drain or sewer line, treat it as Category 3 (black) water. Keep children and pets out, don't try to clean it with a mop and bucket, and see sewage cleanup.

Mistakes to avoid

Pumping a deeply flooded basement out too fast while the ground outside is saturated. Pressure on the walls can crack or collapse them. Lower the water gradually, a few feet a day.
Leaving cardboard boxes and carpet down there "to dry." They stay wet and grow mold.
Running the furnace or water heater after water reached it without having it inspected.

Preventing the next flood

Test the sump pump each season and add a battery backup.
Keep gutters clear and extend downspouts away from the foundation.
Insulate pipes on exterior walls before winter.
Consider a backwater valve if your area has had sewer backups.

How to get help now

Use the Get help now button on this page and tell us what happened, where, and how much water is involved. We pass your request to an independent restoration company that serves your area so they can call you back and arrange a visit. Flood Rescue Pros is a free referral service: we don't do the work ourselves, and the company you're matched with sets its own prices, schedule and terms. Ask any company for its licensing, insurance and IICRC certification before you sign anything.

Flooded Basement Cleanup