Stop Mold Before It Spreads: Post-Flood Basement Remediation

If your basement just flooded, mold isn’t far behind.

At Total Home Water Restoration, we see it all the time across Grove City and surrounding areas—Hilliard, Westerville, Dublin, Reynoldsburg, and more. A few days of wet drywall, soaked carpet, or standing water, and you've got the perfect conditions for mold growth.

Here’s what you need to know—and do—to stop it.

Why Mold Grows So Fast After a Flood

Mold spores are everywhere. But they need three things to start growing:

• Moisture (floodwater gives plenty)

• Organic material (like wood, carpet backing, drywall)

• Time (as little as 24-48 hours)

Once those spores land in your damp basement, they start spreading. Fast. Some types, like Stachybotrys chartarum (black mold), can be especially harmful to people with allergies, asthma, or weakened immune systems.

Step-by-Step: How We Stop Mold After a Basement Flood

When we show up to a flooded basement job, here’s what we do—fast.

1. Extract All Water

First step: Get the standing water out. We use industrial pumps and wet vacs. It’s not just about speed—it’s about being thorough.

2. Remove Wet Materials

Drywall, baseboards, carpet pad, insulation—if it’s soaked, it has to go. Leaving it is asking for mold. Per IICRC S500 and S520 standards, porous materials exposed to Category 3 water (like floodwater) must be removed for proper mold prevention.

3. Dry the Space Completely

We set up commercial-grade air movers and dehumidifiers. Monitoring moisture levels in subfloors and studs is key. It’s not dry until the meter says it is.

4. Apply EPA-Registered Antimicrobials

Once it’s dry, we treat all exposed framing and concrete with mold-inhibiting solutions. This kills any remaining spores and helps prevent future growth.

5. HEPA Air Scrubbing (If Needed)

If mold has already started, we set up HEPA filtration to clean the air. This keeps spores from spreading to the rest of your home.

When You Need Full Mold Remediation

Sometimes, mold is already growing before we even get the call. In that case, we follow full ANSI/IICRC S520 remediation protocols:

• Full containment with negative air pressure

• Controlled demolition

• HEPA vacuuming of surfaces

• Post-remediation verification (by a third-party if needed)

We’ve done this dozens of times—after sump pump failures, broken water lines, and heavy rains.

Common Signs of Post-Flood Mold

If your basement was wet and you’re noticing any of this now:

• Musty smells

• Discoloration on drywall or wood

• Peeling paint

• Recurring allergies or respiratory issues indoors

Call us. Mold doesn’t fix itself—and it won’t stay hidden forever.

Serving Grove City and Beyond

We’re based in Grove City, OH, and we handle flood cleanup and mold removal throughout Columbus, Hilliard, Galloway, Westerville, Dublin, Worthington, New Albany, Upper Arlington, Reynoldsburg, and Pickerington.

If your basement’s wet—or was recently—don’t wait to see what happens.

Call Total Home Water Restoration Today

From disaster to done right. We fix it like it’s our own home.
📍 4141 Hoover Rd, Grove City, OH 43123
📞 380-246-1837

FAQ: Mold After Basement Flooding

How soon does mold start after a basement flood?
Typically within 24 to 48 hours if the area isn’t dried properly.

Do I need to replace all my drywall?
If the water was contaminated or the drywall stayed wet for more than 48 hours, yes. It’s safer and better long-term.

What if the mold is behind the walls?
We use moisture meters and thermal imaging to detect hidden mold, and remove affected materials following IICRC standards.