Restoration3 min read
Basement flooding and sewage backups: what to know
A wet basement from a clean pipe is one thing. Water from a sewer backup or outside flooding is another — it can carry bacteria and chemicals that soak into everything it touches.
The three kinds of water
- Clean water: a broken supply line or overflowing sink. Safest, but it turns dirty if it sits.
- Gray water: washing machine or dishwasher overflow. Can make people sick.
- Black water: sewage, toilet backups and flood water from outside. Unsafe to touch.
If it's sewage or flood water
- Keep everyone, especially kids and pets, out of the area.
- Don't try to mop or vacuum it yourself.
- Avoid touching the water or anything it soaked without gloves and boots.
- Wet carpet, padding and drywall usually can't be saved and need to be removed safely.
How we clean it up
We pump out the water, remove what can't be saved, clean and disinfect every surface, and dry the space with professional equipment. Then we rebuild — new drywall, flooring and paint — so your basement is back to normal.
Protect your basement
- Test your sump pump before storm season.
- Keep gutters clean and downspouts pointed away from the house.
- Ask a plumber about a backwater valve if your area has sewer backups.
- Store valuables on shelves, not on the floor.