Flooded basement in Westfield: the short answer
Stay out of the water until you know the power is off, figure out whether it came from outside, a pipe or a drain, and get it pumped and dried quickly. Basement water that sits will soak walls, insulation and anything stored on the floor. Call (413) 555-0147 to speak with a local company about flooded basement cleanup in Westfield and nearby towns.
On this page
Does this cover your problem?
- water across the basement floor after heavy rain or snowmelt
- water seeping through foundation walls, the floor slab or window wells
- a sump pump that stopped working, often during a storm or power outage
- a burst pipe, a failed water heater or a washing machine leak in the basement
- water coming up through a floor drain (see sewage backup cleanup if it smells or looks dirty)
For every other type of water damage, start with our page on Westfield water damage restoration.
Safety first in a flooded basement
Don't walk into basement water until the power is safe.
- If water is near outlets, extension cords, the furnace, the water heater or the electrical panel, stay out and call your electric utility or an electrician.
- If you smell gas, leave the house and call your gas company or 911 from outside.
- Treat water from a floor drain, or water that came in from outside during a flood, as contaminated.
- After a major flood, if the ground outside is still saturated, FEMA and Red Cross flood recovery guidance recommends pumping a deeply flooded basement out gradually, because emptying it too fast can let outside water pressure damage the walls.
Why basements flood around Westfield
Rain, snowmelt and groundwater
Westfield averages 48.39 inches of precipitation a year at Westfield-Barnes Regional Airport, and spring snowmelt adds to it. When the soil is saturated, water pushes through cracks, the joint where the wall meets the floor, and window wells. Westfield also sits in the Westfield River floodplain and is considered flood-prone.
Sump pump failures
Pumps fail from age, stuck float switches, clogged inlets, discharge lines frozen in winter and, most often during storms, power outages.
Street drainage
In an August 2014 downpour, The Westfield News reported localized flooding on Mainline Drive and Court Street and noted that Notre Dame and Union streets tend to puddle in heavy rain. When streets flood, nearby basements can too.
Plumbing and appliances
Many basements hold the water heater, washer, water main and exposed pipes. A tank that rusts through or a pipe that freezes can flood a basement on a dry day. See burst and frozen pipe water damage.
What happens during basement cleanup
Source and safety check
The crew confirms the power situation, identifies the source and checks whether the water is clean or contaminated.
Pumping and extraction
Standing water comes out, then carpet and pad are extracted or removed.
Removal of wet materials
In finished basements, wet insulation, the bottom of drywall and carpet pad often come out so walls and floors can dry.
Cleaning
Floors and walls are cleaned, and disinfected if the water was contaminated.
Drying
Dehumidifiers and air movers dry concrete, framing and the remaining drywall, with daily readings. Concrete and block walls can take longer to dry than people expect. See structural drying.
Finished versus unfinished basements
An unfinished basement with a concrete floor and block walls is mostly pump, clean and dry. A finished basement is a bigger job: carpet, pad, laminate, framed walls, insulation and drywall all trap water. Restorers often make "flood cuts", removing the bottom of the drywall so wall cavities can dry. If the water came from outside or from a sewer, more material usually has to go.
How to keep it from happening again
- Test the sump pump each season by pouring a bucket of water into the pit, and consider a battery backup pump for power outages.
- Extend downspouts several feet from the foundation and keep gutters clear.
- Make sure soil slopes away from the house and window wells drain or have covers.
- Ask a plumber whether a backwater valve makes sense if your floor drain has backed up before.
- Keep valuables and papers off the basement floor, in plastic bins on shelves.
More tips in flooded basement: what to do and what not to do.
Flooded basement cleanup near you
We take calls from every Westfield neighborhood, on both sides of the river, and from West Springfield, where low-lying neighborhoods are protected by river dikes, Agawam, Holyoke, Southwick and Southampton.
What affects the cost
- how deep the water is and how much floor area it covers
- finished or unfinished space
- clean water versus groundwater, floodwater or sewage
- how much drywall, insulation and flooring has to be removed
- days of drying, and stored belongings that need moving or cleaning
See the cost guide, and check our insurance guide before you file, because flood and sewer backup coverage work differently from a burst pipe.
Questions to ask before you hire
- Do you think this water came from outside, the plumbing or the sewer, and why?
- What needs to be removed, and can any of it be dried in place?
- How will you dry the concrete and block, and how will you know it's dry?
- Are you registered as a Home Improvement Contractor in Massachusetts?
- Do you also handle rebuilding the finished space?
What to have ready when you call
- your address or nearest cross street, and the town
- what happened and where: which floor, which room, the basement or the ceiling
- whether the water is still running and whether you've shut it off
- roughly when it started and how large the wet area is
- whether the water is clean (a supply line), from a drain or toilet, or came in from outside
- whether you own or rent, and whether you plan to file an insurance claim
- whether the basement is finished, and whether you have a sump pump
Frequently asked questions
What should I do first if my basement floods?
Stay out of the water until you know the electricity is safe, stop the source if it's plumbing, move what you can to higher ground and take photos. Then call a cleanup company and your insurer.
Is basement flooding covered by insurance?
It depends on the source. A burst pipe or water heater failure is often covered. Water from outside during a flood usually needs a separate flood policy, and sewer or drain backup often needs an endorsement. Check your policy.
How long does it take to dry a flooded basement?
Often several days after the water is removed, and longer for concrete, block walls or finished spaces. A professional measures moisture rather than guessing.
Why does my basement flood every spring?
Usually saturated soil from snowmelt and rain pushing water through cracks and wall joints, gutters and downspouts dumping water near the foundation, or a sump pump that can't keep up. A waterproofing contractor can find the cause.
Can I pump out my basement myself?
For a small amount of clean water with no electrical risk, a submersible pump or wet vac works. After a major flood, pump gradually if the ground outside is still saturated, and leave contaminated water to professionals.