What do I do if my basement floods?

3/18/2023 (Permalink)

Flooded basement can leave you feeling hopeless, give SERVPRO a call today!

The last thing you want is to wake up one morning and find your home flooded. Rain-driven water can do massive amounts of damage, not only to your basement but also throughout the structure. That's why it's important to know what steps to take if this happens to you. Here is what you need to know about dealing with flooding.

Repair Replacement

If your basement has been flooded, your insurer will cover the cost of repair or replacement as well as any other damage that occurred because of flooding.

In order to make sure you're covered in case of a flood, talk to your insurance agent about adding a rider to your policy. A rider is something added onto an existing contract and can vary depending on how much coverage you want or need.

Flood Coverage

You can also lower your premium by making a few simple changes to your policy. For example, adding flood and wind coverage to your current homeowner's insurance policy could bring down the cost of your monthly premiums or even make them go away entirely. Another way to save money is by installing flood sensors in areas where flooding is likely, like basements and garages and then informing your insurance company about them so they know how much water damage has been prevented.

If you're willing to make some investments in preparation for disasters, there are additional discounts available for things like backup generators or batteries which can keep power flowing after an outage. Elevated pump systems help prevent basement flooding, and other mitigation measures such as sandbags or sump pumps that can help protect against rising floodwaters.

If you are willing to invest in these mitigation measures, some insurers offer discounts on premiums if you are willing to install an elevated pump system or other mitigation measures like backup generators and batteries. Avoiding this type of loss is important because it can cost thousands or even tens of thousands of dollars in repairs and replacements.

Prevent Basement flooding

The first step to avoiding water damage is to make sure that your basement is properly sealed. If you have a cracked foundation, then you should have it repaired immediately by a contractor who specializes in repairing foundations.

It is also important to keep an eye on the outside of your home for signs of water infiltration, such as muddy footprints around doors or windowsills. If you see any evidence of this at all, call an expert immediately!

If your basement has been flooded, your insurer will cover the cost of repair or replacement as well as any other damage that occurred because of flooding. Call the professionals at SERVPRO for your basement water damage. We are available anytime day or night.