Minutes 0–10: Make it safe
Electricity first. If water is near outlets, the panel or appliances, kill power to the basement at the breaker — do not wade in to unplug things. If the breaker panel itself is wet or you can't reach it safely, call the power company and get out. Gas: if you smell gas, leave immediately and call 911 from outside.
Minutes 10–20: Stop the source
Burst pipe or appliance leak? Shut the main water valve — in most Tidewater homes it's on the garage wall or near the water heater. Storm water / rising groundwater? You can't stop it; skip to documentation. Sewage? Stop using all water in the house immediately and treat it as a biohazard — do not attempt cleanup yourself.
Minutes 20–40: Document everything
Photograph and video before moving anything: water lines on walls, damaged items, the source if visible. Open a notes app and timestamp it. This documentation is what gets insurance claims paid — adjusters believe dated photos, not memories.
Minutes 40–60: Call for extraction
This is the point where professionals take over. Standing water needs truck-mounted extraction — shop vacs and towels don't touch it, and every hour of delay grows the demolition footprint and starts the mold clock. Call (757) 555-0134 — we dispatch 24/7.
What NOT to do
- Don't use a household vacuum on water — electrocution risk.
- Don't pull up carpet yourself — contaminated pad spreads mess and voids documentation.
- Don't wait "to see if it dries" — in Hampton Roads humidity, it won't, and mold starts in 24–48 hours.
- Don't throw anything away before photographing it — insurers need the evidence.
Frequently asked
Should I call my insurance first or the restoration company first?
Call the restoration company first to stop the damage — most policies require you to mitigate further loss. Then notify your insurer within 24 hours with your documentation.
How much does basement flood cleanup cost?
It depends on depth, category of water and square footage. We inspect free and give a written upfront price — and most sudden events are insurance-covered.
Can I clean a flooded basement myself?
Clean water under an inch on sealed concrete — maybe. Anything deeper, any sewage, or any delay past a day — no. The equipment gap is enormous.