The short answer
First Steps After Floodwater Enters
Do not walk into standing water until you know the power is off. Floodwater can carry debris, sewage, and hidden hazards. If you smell gas or hear hissing, leave immediately and call the gas company from outside. Your first move is to protect yourself, not to start cleaning.
Turn off electricity at the main breaker if you can do so without stepping into water. If the breaker panel is wet or you are unsure, wait for a professional. Also check your basement apartment for any signs of structural damage, like sagging ceilings or cracked walls, before you go further.
- Wear rubber boots and gloves if you must enter
- Do not touch electrical items or outlets
- Open windows only if the power is off
- Photograph damage for your records
- Keep children and pets away from the area
- Write down the time water first appeared
When to Call in the Pros
If water reached your outlets, soaked into drywall, or sat for more than a day, call local water damage pros. They have tools to detect moisture behind walls and in floors, and they can remove water you cannot reach. Do not try to handle a large flood cleanup alone.
The pros will usually start by extracting standing water, then set up drying equipment and check for hidden moisture. They can also identify materials that need to be removed, like soaked carpet or insulation. Your job is to stay safe and let them do the heavy work.
- Water extraction and drying
- Moisture mapping to find hidden wet spots
- Removal of damaged drywall or flooring
- Inspection of electrical and structural systems
- Guidance on what can be saved
What About Mold and Air Quality
Mold can start growing within 24 to 48 hours after a flood. Once it takes hold, it can spread spores through the air, which may cause breathing problems, especially if you have asthma or allergies. If you see or smell mold, do not disturb it by sweeping or vacuuming.
If you feel unwell, see a doctor. For mold cleanup, you may need a mold professional who can test the air and safely remove contaminated materials. In the meantime, keep the area ventilated and avoid sleeping in the basement apartment until it is properly dried and cleaned.
Before You Move Back In
Your basement apartment is safe to re-enter only after the space is fully dried, cleaned, and inspected. That means no standing water, no damp materials, and no visible mold. The pros can help you assess when it is ready, but you should also trust your senses: if it smells musty or feels damp, wait.
Check with your insurance company about what is covered. Policies vary, and your insurer decides what is covered. Keep records of all damage and any repairs. If you live in Layton, write down your water shutoff valve location now, so you can act fast if another flood happens.
Water damage does not wait
Water keeps spreading into floors and walls, so it is worth acting early. Calls are answered 24/7.
Call Now (801) 383-0232Frequently asked questions
How long does it take for mold to grow after a flood?
Mold can begin to develop within 24 to 48 hours after water damage, especially in warm, damp spaces. If your basement apartment was flooded, you should start drying it out right away. Even if you cannot see mold, it may be growing behind walls or under flooring.
Can I clean the basement myself?
Small, contained spills might be manageable with basic cleaning, but a flooded basement apartment is different. Water can hide in hard-to-reach places and bring contaminants. The pros have equipment to extract water and dry structures properly. For safety, let them handle significant flooding.
What should I do if I smell gas after a flood?
Leave the building immediately and go to a safe distance. Do not flip switches, light matches, or use your phone until you are outside. Call the gas company from a neighbor's home or your cell phone once you are away. Do not re-enter until they say it is safe.