You just discovered your basement is flooded. Your heart is racing and you don’t know where to start. Take a breath — here’s exactly what to do right now, step by step, to minimize damage and protect your family.
First — Is It Safe to Enter?
Before you do anything else answer these questions:
Is there any chance of electrical hazards?
If water has reached electrical outlets, your electrical panel, or any appliances — DO NOT enter the basement. Turn off the electricity at your main breaker first or call an electrician.
What type of water is it?
• Clean water (burst pipe, water heater) — generally safe to enter carefully
• Grey water (appliance overflow) — wear rubber boots and gloves
• Black water (sewage backup, flooding from outside) — DO NOT enter without professional protective equipment. This water contains dangerous pathogens.
If you’re unsure — stay out and call a professional immediately.
Step 1 — Call Best Option Restoration Immediately
📞 385-376-8300 — We answer 24/7
This is the single most important step. Every minute water sits in your basement causes more damage. Our certified technicians will be on-site within 60 minutes anywhere in Salt Lake County.
While you wait for us to arrive — here’s what you can do safely:
Step 2 — Stop the Water Source
Find and stop the source of water if you can do so safely:
Burst pipe:
Turn off your main water shutoff valve. It’s usually located:
• In your basement utility area
• Near your water meter
• Outside near your foundation
Water heater failure:
Turn off the cold water supply valve at the top of the water heater.
Appliance leak:
Turn off the water supply valve behind the appliance.
Sump pump failure:
Check if your sump pump has power and is running. Reset the breaker if needed.
Flooding from outside:
You can’t stop rain but you can place sandbags at entry points if you have them available.
Step 3 — Document Everything
Before moving anything take photos and videos of:
• All standing water
• The water source
• Damaged walls, floors, and belongings
• Water level markings on walls
This documentation is critical for your insurance claim. Timestamp everything.
Step 4 — Call Your Insurance Company
Report the damage to your insurance company as soon as possible. Tell them:
• When you discovered the flooding
• What caused it
• That you’ve called a professional restoration company
Best Option Restoration works directly with your insurance adjuster — we handle all communication and documentation so the process is as smooth as possible.
Step 5 — Move Valuables to Higher Ground
If it’s safe to enter carefully move these items out of the basement:
• Electronics and computers
• Important documents and photos
• Furniture and rugs
• Clothing and personal items
• Medications
Place aluminum foil under furniture legs to prevent staining on wet carpet.
Step 6 — Don’t Use These Items
❌ Don’t use your regular vacuum — not designed for water and creates electrocution risk
❌ Don’t use your HVAC system — can spread contaminated water through ductwork
❌ Don’t use household fans only — not powerful enough to dry structural materials
❌ Don’t ignore it and hope it dries itself — mold begins growing within 24-48 hours
What Happens When Best Option Restoration Arrives
When our technicians arrive we immediately:
1. Assess the situation using moisture meters and thermal imaging
2. Extract all standing water using industrial grade pumps
3. Document everything for your insurance claim
4. Set up drying equipment — commercial air movers and dehumidifiers
5. Monitor daily until your basement is completely dry
6. Restore and rebuild as a licensed B100 General Contractor
Common Causes of Flooded Basements in Utah
Winter: Frozen and burst pipes are the #1 cause of basement flooding in Utah. When temperatures drop below freezing pipes in unheated spaces can freeze and burst.
Spring: Snowmelt and spring rains can overwhelm drainage systems and sump pumps leading to groundwater intrusion.
Year round: Sump pump failures, water heater ruptures, and appliance leaks can happen any time.
Don’t Wait — Call Now
The longer water sits in your basement the more damage it causes and the higher your restoration cost. Mold can begin growing within 24-48 hours.
📞 Call or Text: 385-376-8300
Available 24/7 | On-Site in 60 Minutes | Free Estimates | Insurance Approved
Serving South Jordan, West Jordan, Sandy, Draper, Riverton, Bluffdale, Murray, Taylorsville, West Valley City and all of Salt Lake County.