Wet Weather Tips: Basements and Inlets

Heavy rainfall in Philadelphia today may cause some flooding—try to keep your street's sewer inlets clear of debris and check out some flooded basement tips after the jump.

Flooded Basements

• Stay out of your flooded basement, particularly if you have electrical appliances there. You would not blow dry your hair standing in water!


• If you have a floor drain, the water will eventually drain.


• If you have a large amount of water in your basement or if there is no basement drain, you may need to rent a sump pump to get rid of the water or hire a plumber.

How should I clean the basement?

• Shovel mud from the basement as soon as all water has drained or has been pumped out to allow floors and walls to dry.


• Remove silt and dirt stains by rinsing concrete walls and masonry foundation walls with a high pressure hose.


• If stains remain on the walls, scrub them with a stiff bristle brush and household detergent. Begin at the top and work down. Rinse often with clear water.


• Start drying the basement as quickly as possible in order to minimize wood decay or growth of mold.


• Open all doors and windows to allow the moisture to flow outside.


• Buy or rent a fan or dehumidifier to speed up the drying process.


• If you are sensitive to mold or mildew, wear a mask or respirator containing an appropriate filter.

How do I avoid shock hazards?

• Be careful before using any electric appliance in a house that has been flooded.


• Never turn on wet electric appliances because they may cause an electric shock, overheat, or start a fire.

How do I get rid of odors?
If ventilation does not remove odors:

• Mop concrete floor and walls with a bleach solution (3/4 cups of household bleach to a gallon of water).


• Rinse and dry after 5 minutes.


• Open windows when applying the bleach solution.


• Place a lump of dry charcoal in an open tin/metal container to absorb odors.