Flooded basement: first steps to take safely

Updated October 26, 2026. General information only, not professional advice.

A flooded basement is one of the most common water emergencies. The water may come from heavy rain, a failed sump pump, a burst pipe, a sewer backup or a water heater. No matter the source, the first rule is the same: do not step into the water until you know it is safe.

Step 1: Stay out until the power is safe

Standing water in a basement can be electrified by outlets, cords, appliances or the electrical panel.

Do not wade in if the water could be touching anything electrical.
Ready.gov warns not to touch electrical equipment if it is wet or if you are standing in water.
If your breaker panel is upstairs or you can reach it from a dry spot, switch off power to the basement. If the panel is in the basement and you would have to walk through water to reach it, do not. Call your electric utility or an electrician to shut off power.
If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas utility or 911 from outside.

Step 2: Find out where the water came from

The source changes what you do next.

Clean water from a burst supply pipe or water heater. Shut off the main water valve.
Rain or groundwater seeping in through walls or the floor, or a sump pump that stopped.
Sewage or floodwater from outside, a floor drain backing up, or a river or street flooding. Ready.gov says floodwater can be contaminated and contain dangerous debris. Treat this water as unsafe.

If the water is rising from outside flooding, your safety matters more than the basement. Follow official instructions and leave if told to. Ready.gov reminds people that just six inches of moving water can knock you down.

Step 3: Protect yourself during cleanup

Once the power is off and the water is not rising:

Wear rubber boots and waterproof gloves. The CDC recommends rubber boots and plastic gloves for flood cleanup.
Keep children and pets out of the area.
Wash your hands with soap and water after working in the space.
If the water came from a sewer backup or outside flooding, consider leaving the cleanup to a professional crew.

Step 4: Document before you clean

Your insurer will want to see the damage. FloodSmart, the National Flood Insurance Program site, advises:

Take clear pictures and video of damaged items before cleaning, fixing or throwing them out.
Record serial numbers of damaged appliances and electronics.
Save small pieces of damaged materials, such as carpet or drywall, to show your losses.
Keep receipts for repairs and replacement items.

After documenting, FloodSmart says to immediately throw away anything that could be a health risk, such as spoiled food or moldy clothing, cushions and pillows.

A note on insurance

Coverage depends on what caused the water and what your policy says. FloodSmart notes that most homeowners insurance does not cover flood damage. Flood insurance, sewer backup coverage and coverage for sudden pipe bursts are often separate, and policies differ. Only your insurer can say what is covered. Report the loss to your agent or insurance company as soon as you can and ask what they need.

Step 5: Remove water and start drying

The clock is running. The EPA says to dry water-damaged areas and items within 24 to 48 hours to prevent mold growth.

Pump or vacuum out standing water once the power is safe. Use equipment rated for water.
Never run a gas generator or pump indoors or in a garage. Carbon monoxide can kill.
Move wet items out of the basement to dry.
Run fans and dehumidifiers, and open windows if the air outside is dry.
Pull up wet carpet and pad. Wet drywall and insulation often need to come out.

The CDC advises throwing away items that cannot be disinfected, such as wall coverings, cloth, rugs and drywall, after flooding, and washing hard surfaces with soap and water before disinfecting them.

When to call a pro

Call a water damage cleanup company if the water is more than a few inches deep, came from sewage or outside flooding, soaked into walls or flooring, or you cannot get the space dry within a day or two. Call a plumber if a pipe or water heater failed, and an electrician if water reached outlets, wiring or the panel.

Before you hire anyone, verify their license where your state requires one and ask for proof of insurance. Get a written estimate that describes the work, ask how they will measure that everything is dry, and keep copies of all paperwork.