The Best Ways to Dry Out a Flooded Basement

Remove Objects From Basement

• The first step to drying out your basement is removing anything that could trap moisture in the room. This may include couches, carpets, armchairs or storage boxes. Removing these items has the added benefit of possibly saving them from flooding destruction. The sooner these items are out of the floodwaters, the greater chance they can be spared. Further, they won't add to existing moisture in the basement.

Pump Out Water

• It seems illogical, but immediately pumping out a flooded basement can cause more harm than good. If the outside ground is saturated, your home's walls face extra pressure. That pressure is compounded by the water pressing into the walls from the basement. Wait until the ground is not saturated before pumping out the water. Buy or rent a pump and pump out about a third of the standing water according to the machine's instruction manual. Mark the flood line on your wall and wait overnight. If the water rises again past the mark, wait until it's dryer outside to pump. If not, pump out another third, wait overnight, then pump out the remaining water.

Clean Out Debris

• Floodwaters often bring a rush of mud and debris. Shovel out the debris as quickly as possible after your basement is pumped. Mud left behind poses a health hazard and is much easier to remove before it dries, according to Washington State's Emergency Management Division.

Drain Walls

• After removing the standing water but before you disinfect, check for any remaining water in the basement wall. Remove the baseboard and drill holes 2 inches above the floor. Drill the holes every 6 inches to allow any water to escape. Depending on the type of walls, the materials may need to be replaced. Consult a professional or your insurance company.

Dry the Basement

• Set up blowers in the basement to dry it out completely. Industrial-strength blowers are available for rent from hardware stores or may be provided by your insurance company. Aim the blowers at any wet spots on the floor or walls that remain and allow them to run for a minimum of 72 hours. Check the basement for signs of moisture and run them longer, if necessary.

Other Things to Remember

• Depending on the cause of the flood, your insurance company could cover the damages and take care of the cleanup. Before you start removing water, call your insurance company and file a claim. Take plenty of pictures of the damage as supplementary materials for your claim. Also remember throughout the drying process to keep your basement as cold as possible. Do not turn on the heat to dry the basement faster. Moisture and heat create the ideal breeding ground for mold and mildew, adding to your flooding woes.