Basement flooded? What to do in the first 24 hours

Whether it's a burst pipe, a failed sump pump, or a Calgary spring melt finding its way in, the clock starts the moment water hits the floor. Within about 48 hours, wet drywall and carpet become mold habitat. Move through this list in order.

Hour 0–1: Safety, then stop the water

• Electricity first. If water is anywhere near outlets, cords, or the panel, shut off power to the basement at the breaker — or don't enter at all if the panel itself is downstairs and wet. No basement is worth electrocution.
• Stop the source. Burst pipe: close the main water shutoff (usually near the water meter). Sewer backup: stop using water upstairs — every flush adds to it.
• Know your water type. Clean supply-line water is one situation; sewer backup or outside floodwater is contaminated and needs protective handling — keep kids and pets away.

Hour 1–2: The two calls

• Your insurer's claims line — report it immediately and note the claim number. Ask what documentation they want before disposal.
• A 24/7 restoration contractor — professional extraction within hours is what saves flooring and drywall. We answer around the clock at (403) 477-2281 and cover Calgary and every surrounding community.

Hour 2–6: Document, then protect

• Photograph and video everything before touching it — wide shots of each room, close-ups of damage, serial numbers on ruined appliances
• Move salvageable items up and out; put foil or blocks under furniture legs you can't move
• Don't run a household vacuum on standing water, and don't set up fans on contaminated water — they aerosolize it

Hour 6–24: Extraction and drying begin

A proper water damage restoration response looks like this: standing water extracted, moisture mapped with meters and thermal imaging (water hides inside walls and under floors), commercial air movers and dehumidifiers placed, and daily monitoring with logged readings your insurer will want. In older homes, disturbed materials get an asbestos check before tear-out.

What decides the outcome

Speed. A basement extracted and drying within 12 hours usually keeps its drywall and framing. The same basement left wet for three days becomes selective demolition, mold remediation, and a rebuild. If you're reading this with wet feet — call now, sort the rest after: (403) 477-2281, 24/7.