Basement Flooding: Causes & Remedies
A basement is a valuable asset to your property. Not only does it support the weight of your house and keep it protected from the soil, but you can also use your basement as an additional living space. However, basements are generally prone to flooding.
A flooded basement can be a serious problem. Rainfall and plumbing disasters can flood your basement and damage your home’s structure. Repairing a flooded basement is also a hassle that requires considerable physical effort and financial investment.
Water in the basement, in any amount, is bad news. Basement flooding damages everything in sight in your basement. As a homeowner, it’s vital to understand the causes of basement flooding and what you can do to protect your home from water damage.
7 Causes of Basement Flooding
Different internal and external factors causing basement flooding are:
1. Heavy Rainfall and Storms
Frequent heavy rainfall and storms can overwhelm the drainage system, causing water to seep into the house through cracks and gaps in the foundation walls. If you live in an area prone to frequent rain, your basement is likely to get flooded.
2. Poor or Blocked Drainage Systems
Drainage systems can effectively collect and divert water away from the house. However, over time, a drainage system can suffer from wear and tear. Clogged gutters, damaged downspouts, and overflowing French drains can send water back inside the home. Poor or blocked drainage around the house is also a common cause of basement flooding.
3. Foundation Cracks and Structural Issues
Continued exposure to water and hydrostatic pressure can cause cracks in the basement walls and floors. Over time, water starts to enter through these cracks and pool in the basement, causing it to flood in the long run.
4. Foundation Settlement
It is normal for the foundation to shift or settle within a few years of construction. However, over time, water in the soil causes the foundation to settle further, which leads to cracks in the basement walls and floor. If not addressed, these cracks can become large and let in water during heavy rainfall, causing basement flooding.
5. Sump Pump Failure
Sump pumps can immediately drain excess water from the basement, keeping it dry and clean and limiting damage. However, in case of mechanical failure or power outage, your sump pump might not be able to remove water completely, leading to basement flooding.
6. High Water Table
The water table refers to the level at which the ground is saturated with water. A high water table means the water is closer to the surface of your home and can easily flood your basement. When there is heavy and consistent rainfall, groundwater can easily enter the house through cracks and gaps in the foundation walls.
7. Plumbing Issues
In some cases, burst pipes and sewer backups lead to water accumulation and basement flooding. No one expects a plumbing failure in the basement. It happens out of nowhere and requires immediate attention to prevent flooding.
Preventative Measures for Basement Flooding
When it comes to the basement, even the slightest water damage can ultimately affect the entire home. Taking preventive measures like comprehensive basement waterproofing can help avoid severe damage and extensive repair costs in the future. To ensure physical safety and avoid mental and financial stress, you should take the following measures:
- Regular maintenance of drainage systems
- Installing and maintaining a sump pump
- Waterproofing your basement
- Grading and landscaping around the home
- Fixing cracks and structural issues
4 Immediate Remedies for Basement Flooding
Stuck with a flooded basement? No need to worry! Take these immediate remedies to ensure the safety of life and property:
1. Safety First
If water is still present after the flooding, turn off the electricity immediately. It reduces the chances of electric shocks and fires. Ensure that your family is out and away from the water. While entering the basement, make sure to wear protective gear like rubber boots and gloves. Take the necessary belongings and leave immediately so the professionals can handle the rest.
2. Pumping Water Out
If you have a sump pump, you can use it to remove all the water and lower the damage to your property and home. If you are unable to drain out water yourself, you should contact a professional company that can help you with water restoration in the basement.
3. Drying Out the Basement
Once the water has been pumped out, you should use dehumidifiers or fans to clear out the moisture. If these aren’t available, you can open doors and windows to dry out the basement. This quick drying is important to prevent mold and mildew growth, which is very likely after flooding.
4. Assessing and Preventing Mold Growth
Mold usually grows 12-24 hours after water damage. Inspect all the affected areas and surfaces for signs of mold. A humid environment is perfect for mold to grow and spread, so try to keep the basement as dry as possible. Clean all the surfaces with disinfectants to remove mold and deter its growth. It will also prevent other bacterial growth and infections after flooding.
Long-Term Solutions to Prevent Future Basement Flooding
If you are worried about basement flooding in the future, you can implement the following preventative solutions to protect the basement for the long term.
Installing a French Drain System
A French drain system collects water from a specific area and redirects it to the exit point, like a rain barrel, municipal drain, or dry creek bed. It comprises a trench lined with a pipe, filter fabric, and rocks that collect water from the foundation and surrounding landscape and direct it away from the home, preventing basement flooding. You can get professionals to install French drains to protect your home for decades to come.
Foundation Repair and Reinforcement
Hire a professional company to inspect your foundation and determine the correct remediation for the issues. If there are any cracks and leaks, they will seal them with epoxy or polyurethane injections. They will also implement the right techniques and methods to resolve the moisture issues in your basement.
Upgrading Plumbing Systems
You should inspect and implement the correct repair methods for your plumbing system. Install backflow valves to prevent sewer backups and check for any clogs or leaks in the plumbing fixtures and pipes in the basement.
Creating a Flood Plan
The most important thing to do for basement flooding preparation is to educate your family on the immediate steps to take in case of flooding. You should have an emergency evacuation plan ready to keep your family and property safe in case of unexpected flooding.
Protect your Basement
Basement flooding is a serious problem that affects homeowners. Different factors, like weather conditions, faulty drainage, structural issues, sump pump failure, and plumbing issues, can cause flooding. Regular inspections of the basement followed by effective repair and timely maintenance can help prevent basement flooding. Prompt action can help minimize the damage and protect your home.
