As temperatures warm up, you may be bracing yourself for the possibility of basement flooding. No one wants to deal with flooding, but sometimes it helps to be proactive in your preparations. As a trusted flood cleanup company for homes and businesses, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE is often asked: What causes basement flooding? How can it be prevented?
In broad strokes, flooding can happen for all kinds of reasons—but here are some of the common causes our flood cleanup company has found over the years:
- Poor maintenance. From poorly maintained gutters to worn-down or frozen pipes to cracks in your home’s foundation, all kinds of maintenance issues can increase the likelihood of flooding.
- System failure. Whether a sump pump fails at a crucial moment or the city’s sewer lines back up, these and other “system failures” can cause flooding for your home or business.
- Unexpected weather events. Heavy rainfall, hurricanes, or other sudden weather hazards can be a big factor in basement flooding.
- Poor drainage. If your drainage systems aren’t up to the job, it’s easy for water to seep into your property—whether that’s groundwater or rainwater.
But what do these issues look like in reality, and what can be done to deal with them? Let’s review why they happen, how to get ahead of potential issues, and how our flood cleanup company can help with any damage.
4 Common Causes of Basement Flooding
1. Maintenance Issues
Every building requires ongoing maintenance and care to keep it in good condition. Over time, parts of your home or business are likely to wear down, from pipes to areas of the foundation. Regular inspections and upkeep can help limit these occurrences, which means reducing the potential for flooding, too.
What are some examples of maintenance issues that cause basement flooding?
- Cracks in the foundation. When your basement walls or foundation start to exhibit cracks, it makes your property more susceptible to flooding. You’ll want to regularly check for any cracks in these areas, and seal them using waterproofed products.
- Pipes wearing down due to age. Over time, your pipes are likely to degrade or wear down, making them more vulnerable to leaks or breaks. It’s worthwhile to get your pipes checked out every one to two years, depending on their current age.
- Clogged or poorly maintained gutters. Gutters are meant to direct water away from your property—so when they get clogged, they can’t do their job. You’ll want to regularly clean out leaves and other debris to help ensure they can keep functioning correctly.
- Leaks or blockages in plumbing. When blockages or leaks occur in your plumbing, there is always a big concern for basement flooding. Check your pipes regularly to make sure they’re running smoothly, testing for water pressure, gurgling and smells, and other concerns.
2. System Failure
When city sewer lines, septic tanks, sump pumps, or even windows fail to work as they should, it can result in widespread flooding. At our flood cleanup company, we know that not all of these events are preventable. That said, it helps to know which systems can present a danger to your basement—and what you can do to be vigilant about any concerns:
- Septic tanks. When a septic tank fails, the effects can be disastrous for your property. You want to make sure your septic tank is inspected regularly. The frequency of septic tank inspections can vary depending on how the system is used. A local septic professional can help you identify how often your system should be checked. It’s also worthwhile to monitor for common signs of failure, like a strong sewage smell, spongy grass nearby, or slow drains.
- Windows. Windows are meant to safeguard your building from outdoor elements—so when basement windows break down, they can let in drafts, leaks, snow melt, and rainwater. If your windows are older, worn-down, or drafty, it may be time for an upgrade.
- City sewer lines. While municipal sewer systems are out of your control, you can still take protective action for your property. Installing a backflow preventer helps to direct waste water away from your house. Be sure not to dispose of improper waste down the toilet, as this can cause blockages in sewer systems.
3. Unexpected Weather Events
From flooding of rivers or waterways near your home, heavy rainfall, or hurricanes, weather events can appear out of nowhere and cause substantial flooding problems in a short amount of time. Our flood cleanup company has aided in flood damage restoration for these events and more.
While you can’t always predict when these events will happen, there are certainly steps you can consider to aid in flood prevention:
- Make sure your windows are sealed. Windows are one of the primary entry points for rainwater and flood water. You want to make sure your windows are clean, operational, and well-sealed against the outdoors.
- Opt for longer downspouts. If water is making its way into your basement via the downspouts of your gutters, that’s a problem. Consider extending the downspouts so they can effectively re-direct water away from your home.
- Consider a sump pump. You may want to consider the installation of a sump pump. While this is an involved process, it can be incredibly worthwhile for mitigating any future flooding events. If your home has frequent basement flooding, you may even consider adding a backup pump.
4. Poor Drainage
Properties are often configured to encourage good drainage, helping water to flow away from your building. The slope of the landscape, gutter systems, and other features all work together to help protect your home or business from the elements. When these aren’t in good order, it can result in substantial flooding problems.
Here are a few common problems our flood cleanup company has found, and what you can do to address them:
- Flooding from gutters. For your rain gutters, we’ve talked about clogs and too-short downspouts—but the installation, fitting, and longevity of your gutters matter too. If flooding is a consistent issue, and it’s clear that your gutters aren’t up to the task, it may be time for an upgrade.
- Groundwater flooding. If water is seeping up from your basement floors, that’s often a sign that groundwater below your home’s surface needs to be properly addressed. This may be related to cracks in the foundation, or you may require a drain system to reduce hydrostatic pressure.
- Water sloping in from the yard. Your outdoor areas should slope away from your property—when they don’t, they aren’t offering the drainage potential you need. Consider landscaping options that help with the incline of your yard. You can also re-route water by digging dry creek beds with gravel, cutting off floodwaters before they reach your basement.
A Flood Cleanup Company You Can Count On
When the worst has happened, you need a flood cleanup company that can quickly and comprehensively treat any damage. That’s why homeowners and business owners consistently turn to 1-800 WATER DAMAGE. We offer fast and responsive flood damage restoration and even deliver 24/7 and emergency services.
Let’s take a look at what sets our flood cleanup company apart from the rest.
Why Choose Our Flood Damage Restoration Services?
At 1-800 WATER DAMAGE, we understand how devastating any flooding event can be for your home or business. That’s why our flood cleanup company goes above and beyond to deliver fast-acting services. Here are just some of the reasons we’re a trusted choice for flood damage restoration nationwide:
- Tailored treatment strategies. Our flood cleanup company will always assess your property and the scale of flooding prior to beginning treatment. It means we can tailor any damage restoration to suit your space. This targeted approach means we can also deliver fast results, without ever compromising on the quality of our work.
- A comprehensive approach. In the wake of flooding, it’s not just about removing standing water and moisture. Our flood cleanup company also delivers thorough damage restoration services like mold treatment, odor removal, and structural repairs. We’ll make every effort we can to restore your property to its pre-flooded condition.
- Services backed by compassion. When faced with flooding, there’s a lot on your plate. We bring enormous compassion and care to every job so you don’t have to worry about damage restoration. Our flood cleanup company will always offer upfront timelines, clear and transparent pricing, and trusted communication. We give you one less thing to worry about at a difficult time.
Get Started with Our Flood Cleanup Company
When you need a flood cleanup company backed by integrity, industry-proven methods, and a responsive approach to treatment, 1-800 WATER DAMAGE is always here for you. From initial assessment to water removal, repairs, and restoration, we handle every step, so you can return to normal as soon as possible.
Our flood cleanup company offers 24/7 and emergency services across the country. If you need flood damage restoration, one call to 1-800 WATER DAMAGE can get you started.
