09/10/2026
With all the rain we’ve had lately, we’re seeing a LOT of posts from homeowners dealing with water in their basements.
💧 FIRST: Figure out where the water is coming from
Is it:
• Coming up through a floor drain?
• Seeping through the foundation or window wells?
• Coming from a failed sump pump?
• A sewer backup?
• Water coming in from outside?
Knowing the source will help determine who you need to call.
⚡ 1. Make sure the area is safe
If there is standing water near electrical outlets, your panel, appliances, furnace or other electrical equipment, DO NOT walk into the water or attempt to unplug anything.
Call an electrician or your utility company if you cannot safely shut off power from a dry location.
📸 2. Take photos + video BEFORE cleaning up
Document:
• Where the water entered
• The water level
• Damaged flooring, drywall and trim
• Furniture and personal belongings
• Appliances or mechanical systems that got wet
Take more photos than you think you’ll need.
📞 3. Call your insurance agent
Ask specifically:
“Do I have coverage for water backup/sump overflow?”
“Would this particular source of water be covered under my policy?”
Not all water damage is treated the same way, and standard homeowners insurance may not cover flooding or groundwater.
🧹 4. Start removing water — SAFELY
For smaller amounts of clean water, a wet/dry vacuum, sump pump or water extraction company may be able to help.
If you have a significant amount of standing water, don’t automatically pump the entire basement out at once. In certain flooding conditions, removing water too quickly can put pressure on foundation walls and cause structural damage.
5. Don’t wait on wet materials
Once the water is gone, drying everything out quickly is important.
Wet carpet/pad, drywall, insulation, baseboards and other porous materials may need to be removed. Fans and dehumidifiers can help dry the space.
If the water may contain sewage, don’t treat it like normal rainwater — contact a professional restoration company.
🔨 WHO SHOULD I CALL?
Depending on the problem, you may need:
• Water restoration company — extraction, drying & cleanup
• Plumber — drains, sump pumps & sewer backups
• Electrician — electrical components exposed to water
• Foundation/waterproofing company — foundation seepage or cracks
• HVAC company — furnace/HVAC equipment exposed to water
• Insurance agent — determine whether you have applicable coverage
And if you have no idea who to call, call us 515-249-5560
One of the advantages of working in real estate every day is that we have a pretty extensive list of local contractors and service providers. We’re happy to point you in the right direction, whether you’re a past client or not.
Stay dry, Iowa! ☔️
