Stars and Bars RestorationIf you've ever walked downstairs to find your Colorado Springs basement ankle-deep in water, you know that sinking feeling. Unfortunately, basement flooding is one of the most common — and most damaging — emergencies we respond to across El Paso County.
At Stars and Bars Restoration, we've pulled water out of basements in Briargate, Old Colorado City, Broadmoor, Fountain, and everywhere in between. Whether it's monsoon season runoff, a failed sump pump, or snowmelt finding its way through your foundation, we're here 24/7 to get your basement dry and safe again.
Why Colorado Springs Basements Are So Vulnerable
Colorado Springs sits at 6,035 feet along the Front Range, and that geography creates a perfect setup for basement water problems:
- Monsoon season downpours — From late June through August, afternoon thunderstorms can dump an inch or more of rain in under an hour. The soil along the Front Range is heavy clay that doesn't absorb water quickly, so it pools around foundations.
- Snowmelt and spring runoff — When Pikes Peak and the Rampart Range shed their snowpack, water flows downhill toward homes in neighborhoods like Skyway, Bear Creek, and Cheyenne Cañon.
- Aging infrastructure — Many Colorado Springs neighborhoods were built in the 1960s-1980s with drainage systems that weren't designed for today's weather patterns. Older homes along Platte Avenue and in the downtown core are especially susceptible.
- High water table areas — Certain parts of Colorado Springs, particularly near Monument Creek and Fountain Creek, sit close to the water table, making basement seepage a recurring issue.
The First 30 Minutes: What to Do When Your Basement Floods
Speed matters. Every hour standing water sits in your basement, damage compounds exponentially. Here's your action plan:
1. Stay Safe
Before you wade in, check for electrical hazards. If water is near your electrical panel, outlets, or appliances, do not enter the basement. Call your utility company to shut off power, or flip the main breaker from a dry location if you can safely reach it.
2. Stop the Water Source (If Possible)
- Burst pipe or appliance failure — Shut off your main water valve. In most Colorado Springs homes, it's near the front of the house where the water line enters.
- Sewer backup — Stop using all water in the house immediately. Don't flush toilets or run sinks.
- Storm water intrusion — You can't stop the rain, but you can redirect water away from your foundation with sandbags or by clearing blocked window wells.
3. Call Stars and Bars Restoration
Call us at (719) 676-2456 — we answer around the clock. Based in Colorado City, we can reach most Colorado Springs locations in about an hour. We'll bring industrial pumps, commercial dehumidifiers, and the IICRC-certified expertise to handle it right.
4. Document the Damage
Before you start cleaning up, grab your phone and take photos and videos of everything. Your insurance claim will go much smoother with thorough documentation from the start.
Our Basement Flood Restoration Process
When we arrive at your Colorado Springs home, here's how we tackle it:
Emergency Water Extraction — We use truck-mounted extractors and submersible pumps that can remove thousands of gallons per hour. For finished basements with carpet, we use weighted extraction tools that pull water from carpet padding without destroying the flooring.
Moisture Mapping — Using infrared cameras and commercial moisture meters, we map exactly where water has traveled — including behind walls, under floating floors, and into ceiling cavities if you have a finished basement. Water follows gravity, but it also wicks upward through drywall. We've seen moisture climb three feet up a wall from six inches of standing water.
Structural Drying — We set up a drying system tailored to your basement's layout. This typically includes commercial dehumidifiers pulling 30+ gallons of moisture per day, high-velocity air movers creating airflow patterns across every wet surface, and monitoring equipment that tracks drying progress hourly.
Sanitization — Basement flood water is rarely clean. Even a "simple" groundwater intrusion picks up soil bacteria, and sewer backups are a genuine biohazard. We treat affected areas with antimicrobial solutions and HEPA-filter the air to remove mold spores and contaminants.
Mold Prevention — Colorado's dry air is usually our ally, but a flooded basement creates exactly the warm, dark, humid environment mold loves. We apply preventive antimicrobial treatments and monitor humidity levels to make sure your basement dries completely — not just surface-dry, but structurally dry.
Common Causes of Basement Flooding in Colorado Springs
Understanding what caused your flood helps prevent the next one:
Foundation Cracks and Seepage
Concrete foundations develop cracks over time, especially with Colorado's freeze-thaw cycles. Even hairline cracks can let significant water through during heavy rain. Watch for white mineral deposits (efflorescence) on your basement walls — that's a sign water is moving through the concrete.
Sump Pump Failure
If your Colorado Springs home has a sump pump, it's the last line of defense against basement flooding. Common failure points include power outages during storms (the exact time you need it most), a stuck float switch, or simply an overwhelmed pump during heavy rain. Consider a battery backup system — they're a worthwhile investment in our storm-prone climate.
Window Well Flooding
Egress windows and window wells are required by code in many finished basements, but they can become collection points for water during storms. Make sure your window well drains are clear and functioning, and that the gravel fill hasn't compacted or been replaced by dirt and debris.
Sewer Line Backups
Colorado Springs' aging sewer infrastructure means backups happen. Tree roots growing into clay sewer lines are the most common cause. If you experience recurring sewer backup issues, a camera inspection of your sewer line can identify problems before they cause another flood.
How to Prevent Future Basement Flooding
After we've restored your basement, here's how to keep it dry:
- Grade your landscaping away from the foundation — The ground around your home should slope at least 6 inches over the first 10 feet. Many Colorado Springs yards settle over time and start directing water toward the house.
- Extend downspouts at least 5 feet from the foundation — Better yet, connect them to underground drainage that carries water well away from your home.
- Install a sump pump with battery backup — Essential for homes in flood-prone areas near Monument Creek or Fountain Creek.
- Seal foundation cracks — Hydraulic cement for active leaks, epoxy injection for structural cracks.
- Consider interior or exterior waterproofing — For chronic seepage issues, a French drain system inside or outside your foundation can make a permanent difference.
Insurance Coverage for Basement Floods
Standard homeowners insurance in Colorado typically covers sudden water damage (burst pipes, appliance failures) but does not cover flooding from external sources like storm runoff or rising groundwater. For that, you need a separate flood insurance policy through FEMA's National Flood Insurance Program or a private flood insurer.
Sewer backup coverage is also usually an add-on rider. If your Colorado Springs home has ever had a sewer backup, adding this coverage is a smart move — it typically costs $40-$70 per year and can save you thousands.
We work directly with all major insurance companies and can help you navigate the claims process. Learn more in our guide to water damage insurance claims in Colorado.
Serving All of Colorado Springs and El Paso County
Whether you're in Briargate, Old Colorado City, Broadmoor, Falcon, Peyton, Cimarron Hills, Security-Widefield, Fountain, or Monument — Stars and Bars Restoration is ready to respond. We also serve the surrounding communities of Pueblo, Cañon City, Trinidad, and all of Southern Colorado.
Call Now for 24/7 Basement Flood Emergency Response
Don't wait for the water to rise. Call (719) 676-2456 right now and we'll dispatch our team to your Colorado Springs home. Fast response, IICRC-certified technicians, and a veteran-owned company that treats your home like our own.
Stars and Bars Restoration | Colorado City, CO | Serving Colorado Springs & Southern Colorado | services@sb-resto.com