Essential Steps for Flooded Basement Cleanup in Southern NH

Flooded Basement

Water damage restoration often begins with one of the most overwhelming scenarios a homeowner can face: a flooded basement. Whether it’s due to heavy rain, a sump pump failure, or a burst pipe, the emotional and financial toll can be significant. We've seen it firsthand here at Restoration New Hampshire, working with families throughout Southern NH to recover from some of the worst basement floods.

Furniture, heirlooms, and structural materials are often submerged in contaminated water, and every moment counts. But don’t panic. This guide walks you through the critical steps of basement cleanup, from emergency response to drying, disinfecting, and knowing when to call Jeremy at Restoration New Hampshire (603-233-3009) for expert remediation and damage control.

Immediate Safety Measures and Damage Control

When dealing with a flooded basement, your top priority should be safety and immediacy. A fast response can help limit the damage to your home and keepsakes as well as protect your health from mold growth, which can begin to develop in as little as 24 to 48 hours and can grow in hidden areas, especially if trapped inside porous materials.

Steps to Take Immediately:

• Turn off electricity and gas (if safe to do so) to avoid shocks or leaks.

• Wear protective gear like gloves, boots, and masks to reduce exposure to contaminants.

• Document the damage with photos and videos for insurance purposes.

• Identify and stop the source of flooding, if possible.

• Avoid electrical appliances in the flooded area.

1. Turn Off Electricity and Gas

Safety is always the top priority in a flooded basement. Turn off the electricity and gas before entering. This prevents electrical shocks and gas leaks, keeping you and your family safe.

Contact a professional if you can't safely access the main switches. Do not take risks with electricity or gas.

2. Wear Protective Gear

Floodwaters may carry harmful bacteria. Wear waterproof gloves, boots, and a mask to reduce exposure.

3. Document the Damage

Before starting cleanup, take photos and videos of all affected areas and damaged items for your insurance claim.

4. Stop the Source of Flooding

If it’s safe, plug a visible leak or address a sump pump failure. If the source is unclear or dangerous, consult a professional.

Water Removal Strategies That Work

At Restoration New Hampshire, we know that the sooner water is removed, the better. Depending on how severe the flooding is, here are some strategies we use and recommend:

Water Removal Strategies That Work:

• Use a sump pump for significant flooding.

• Wet vacs and mops for smaller amounts of water.

• Manual removal for residual water.

• Evaluate whether to call a professional.

Using a Sump Pump

Place it in the deepest area for maximum removal. Ensure water is discharged outside or to a basement sink, not where it can flow back in.

Wet Vacuums and Mopping

For shallow flooding, wet vacuums can reach where pumps can’t. Mop any remaining water for a full surface dry.

When to Call Basement Flood Cleanup Experts

We’ve responded to countless flooded basements throughout Southern NH, and here’s what we always tell clients… If you see mold, smell sewage, or the water is rising faster than you can handle, call us immediately.

Jeremy and the Restoration New Hampshire team are trained, equipped, and ready to handle the job safely, thoroughly, and quickly. We’ll walk you through the next steps from cleanup to drying, disinfection, and even help with insurance.

📞 Call Jeremy at 603-233-3009
We’re local, experienced, and ready to help.

Wet Vacuums and Air Movers

Drying Out the Basement Completely

At Restoration New Hampshire, we’ve seen time and time again - just because your basement looks dry doesn’t mean the job is done. Hidden moisture trapped in drywall, insulation, subflooring, and behind baseboards can fuel future mold growth—and often does if not properly handled.

If you’re in Southern NH and trying to tackle this yourself, here’s what we recommend (and what we do on every job):

How to Ensure Complete Drying:

• Increase airflow with high-powered fans positioned strategically throughout the space.

• Run industrial dehumidifiers (the kind we use on every job) to pull moisture from the air and structural materials.

• Open windows, if the outdoor humidity is low, to help with ventilation.

• Check behind walls and under flooring—these are the common spots where moisture hides and mold takes hold.

We use professional moisture meters to detect what your eyes can’t see. If you’re unsure, call Jeremy at 603-233-3009, we’ll assess the situation and give you a clear plan.

Cleaning and Disinfecting After a Flood

Floodwater isn’t just water. It often carries bacteria, sewage, dirt, and other contaminants into your home. We've handled basement floods across Southern NH where residents thought cleaning was enough, until odors and mold set in days later.

Disinfection is not optional - it’s essential.

What Needs Cleaning:

• Basement walls, floors, and stairs

• Personal belongings (tools, bins, plastic furniture, etc.)

• Shelving and utility surfaces

Disinfecting Tips from the Pros:

• Use EPA-approved disinfectants or industrial-grade bleach on non-porous surfaces.

• Porous materials like carpet, padding, drywall, and insulation are often not salvageable and need full removal.

• Always wear gloves and a mask, and keep the area well-ventilated while cleaning.

If this already sounds like more than you want to take on, that’s because it often is. Let us help, we’re equipped to clean, sanitize, and restore your space completely and safely.

Handling Contaminated Items

One of the hardest parts for homeowners we work with is deciding what to save and what to let go. We’re here to guide you through that, too.

What Usually Needs to Be Tossed:

• Wall-to-wall carpeting

• Upholstered furniture

• Soaked cardboard boxes and drywall

Take clear photos of all damaged items for your insurance records. We can help with documentation and advise on safe disposal in line with Southern NH regulations.

Remove Contamination

Preventing Future Basement Flooding

Cleaning up after a flood is just part of the equation. At Restoration New Hampshire, we help homeowners across Southern NH not only recover but build real protection against future water disasters.

Key Upgrades to Consider:

• Install a sump pump with battery backup so you're protected even during power outages.

• Add a backwater valve to prevent sewage from backing up into your basement.

• Improve yard drainage and extend downspouts to steer water away from your foundation.

We’ve helped clients implement these exact upgrades across Windham, Salem, Derry, Londonderry, Pelham, Methuen, Dracut, Chester, Nashua, Manchester, Concord and surrounding areas to stay dry year-round.

Regular Maintenance Tips:

• Clean your gutters at least twice a year to prevent overflow and foundation flooding.

• Test and inspect sump pumps before every major rain season.

• Seal cracks in foundation walls or basement flooring to prevent seepage.

If you’re unsure where to start, we offer walk-through assessments to identify risk areas call Jeremy at 603-233-3009 for advice tailored to your home.