How To Protect Your Home From Mold After Flooding (Because, Climate Change)

Safety first! Make sure the electricity is off in the location before venturing into any standing water, taking a moment to check both the breaker and power meter. If the meter is still on, do not enter the water until a professional can come to remedy the situation.

If the power is off, take photos for your insurance company and then move on to your first objective: removing the water using a submersible pump. If you don’t have a submersible pump now, I’d consider it a worthy investment if you live in a flood zone. For around $50 you can get yourself a good submersible pump. Keep in mind when purchasing, the more horsepower it has, the faster the pump can remove water. I’d recommend one that is 1/2HP to 1HP.

Place your pump at the lowest part of the water-filled room. That way, it can get as much of the standing water out as possible. Take the other end of the hose as far away from your home as you can, preferably near a drainage area. Direct the water you are pumping away from the home; otherwise, it will just keep coming back in as fast as you’re pumping it out.  

Most pumps can connect to a garden hose, so make sure you own a hose long enough to get from the bottom of your basement to a significant distance away from your house.