If You Need Help With A Basement Flood Clean Up, You Don’t Have Time To Waste

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Let’s be honest: most people don’t think about basement flood clean up until they’re ankle-deep in cold water. But here’s your warning sign: if your water heater is over 10 years old, your home has aging plumbing, or your water pressure gauge looks like it’s prepping for launch—your basement could be next.

Floods are one of the most stressful and destructive surprises a homeowner can face. But if you know what to do next—and who to call—you can minimize the damage and get your life back on track fast.

Common Causes of Basement Floods

Basement floods don’t happen for just one reason. There are several culprits, and understanding them can help you spot a problem early or at least respond quickly when disaster strikes.

A Leaking Water Heater Can Flood A Basement in No Time

Water heaters are one of the most common causes of basement floods. Over time, sediment builds up in the tank, causing corrosion and weakening the internal lining. If that lining fails, hundreds of gallons of water can end up on your basement floor.

If your water heater is more than 10-12 years old, schedule an inspection—before it lets you know it’s done the hard way.

Burst Pipes Can Mean Major Damage

Frozen pipes are a major issue in cold weather. As water freezes, it expands, putting pressure on your plumbing from the inside. Eventually, the pipe cracks or bursts entirely, releasing water rapidly and uncontrollably.

Even in warmer seasons, high water pressure can cause older pipes to rupture. If your pipes bang, your pressure is over 80 psi, or you notice leaks at connection points, it’s time for a pressure check.

Drain and Sewer Backups Are Bad News For Your Basement

If your home has a sump pump, that’s your basement’s best defense during heavy rain. But if the pump fails or your sewer line backs up, water can surge into your basement.

Many basements have sewage ejector pumps, which pump waste from basement drains up to the main sewer line. When these fail, you can have a major mess on your hands.

A clogged or collapsed sewer line can be a hidden risk that reveals itself at the worst possible moment. Even with no basement, a backed up sewer drain can lead to contaminated waste water infiltrating your home.

If you have wastewater flood your basement, professional clean up is especially important. Lingering wastewater can lead to mold and other health contaminants if not properly cleaned.

Washing Machines and Appliance Leaks

Basements are often home to washers, utility sinks, and dehumidifiers. A leaky hose or failed connection on one of these can create a slow, unnoticed flood—or a fast, destructive one. Sometimes a washing machine drain can leak from a floor above down through the floors to the basement level. Homeowners should periodically check out their basements or crawlspaces to make sure there’s no water coming in where it shouldn’t be!

If You Have a Basement Flood, Here’s What To Do:

Step One: Shut Off the Water

When your basement starts flooding, seconds count. The first thing you should do is shut off your home’s main water supply.

Here’s how:

• Locate the main shut-off valve, usually in the basement, garage, or along an exterior wall.
• If it’s a round knob, turn it clockwise until it’s tight.
• If it’s a lever handle, turn it perpendicular to the pipe to stop the flow.

Shutting off the water doesn’t fix the problem, but it stops it from getting worse. This step can reduce thousands of dollars in additional damage.

If you don’t know where your shut-off valve is, find it today. Label it clearly, and make sure everyone in the household knows how to use it.

Step Two: Call Your Plumber

Once the water is off, your next call should be to a licensed plumber. If you already have a membership with a plumbing company, this is where it pays off. Priority response times can be the difference between manageable damage and a major renovation.

Your plumber will:

• Help identify the cause of the flooding
• Repair the broken pipe, water heater, or appliance connection
• Coordinate with restoration professionals, if needed
• Offer documentation and photos that will help with your insurance claim

If you don’t have a plumber on speed dial, look for one with excellent reviews, same-day availability, and a strong local reputation. Be cautious about companies that use high-pressure sales tactics or can’t offer clear timelines or pricing.

Step Three: Get a Professional Clean Up Team Involved

Even after the source of the flooding is fixed, the clean up process is just beginning. Water doesn’t just sit on the surface—it seeps into floors, baseboards, walls, and belongings.

That’s why your plumber should have a relationship with a trusted restoration company to help with your basement flood clean up. These professionals specialize in:

• Water extraction using industrial pumps and vacuums
• Drying with commercial fans and dehumidifiers
• Damage assessment for drywall, flooring, and hidden moisture
• Insurance support with documentation and claim assistance

When it comes to flood recovery, time is everything. The sooner you get things dry, the less chance there is for mold growth or long-term structural issues.

But you should never feel pressured. A good restoration team will explain their plan, answer your questions, and give you time to process what’s happening. They should be solution-focused, not sales-driven.

How to Choose a Reputable Water Restoration Company

Unfortunately, flood emergencies attract bad actors. Not all companies that show up are licensed, insured, or trustworthy. That’s why working through your plumber is often the safest route—they’ve likely vetted their partners already.

Still, you should always:

• Check online reviews on Google, Yelp, or the Better Business Bureau
• Ask for references or recent customer testimonials
• Confirm the company is IICRC certified (Institute of Inspection, Cleaning and Restoration Certification)
• Make sure they’re fully insured and can provide a written estimate

A reputable plumber won’t mind if you do a little homework on their referral. They should support your right to make an informed decision.

Filing an Insurance Claim: Don’t Delay

This is one of the most common and costly mistakes homeowners make: waiting too long to notify insurance. Even if you’re unsure about filing a claim, call your insurance company right away to report the incident.

Why?

• If you wait too long and more damage is discovered later, the claim could be denied.
• Many policies have specific timeframes for reporting flood damage.
• Insurance adjusters often need early photos and notes to document coverage.

The restoration company can help with this process, but you’re the policyholder—so the sooner you start, the more protected you are.

If your plumber and restoration team are experienced, they’ll help walk you through the claim step-by-step. They’ve likely seen it all before and can help you get the most from your coverage.

Final Thoughts: Peace of Mind After a Flood

Flooding is scary. It’s disruptive, expensive, and often overwhelming. But if you follow these steps—shut off the water, call a trusted plumber, and connect with a reputable restoration team—you can get back to dry ground faster than you think.

At Aaron Services, we help homeowners through water emergencies every week. We work with top-tier restoration professionals, we don’t believe in scare tactics, and we always put your peace of mind first.

Want to be prepared before the next plumbing emergency hits?
Ask us about our Plumbing Membership Program—with priority service, discounts, and annual inspections that help prevent disasters before they happen.