The location of basements in the home makes them more vulnerable to flooding. They are built partially or fully underground. For this reason, basements can flood at any time not just in the rainy season. Your basement can flood for any number of reasons ranging from the weather to broken pipes and drainage issues, which can be addressed by yard drainage contractors southington. Knowing the most common causes of basement flooding can help you to come up with preventative measures.
It can be scary and frustrating to have your basement flood out of nowhere. The unexpected cost can also derail plans you may have for something else or other areas in the home. It is also dangerous as it can affect your electrical system as well if water gets into it. It’s important to be aware of these causes and know what to do in each situation.
Common Causes of Basement Flooding
A flooded basement can be a nightmare to deal with. Preventatives measures are the best solution from having that become your reality. There are things you can do to combat the common cause we have listed below and one of those steps is to have your basement waterproofed. If you don’t know where or how to get this done you can do an online search and shop around. As described by one basement waterproofing company in Maryland, basements are often where you keep family photos and memories, which are priceless. It’s important to waterproof your basement, as a wet basement will only get worse if left unchecked. Keep reading to find out about the common causes of basement flooding and what you can do to prevent it.
- Improper sealing of the basement floor and walls
During the construction of your home the foundation, walls, and tiles are sealed against water. If this is done poorly, or incorrectly you can find your basement flooding over time. Severe weather like heavy rainstorms and hurricanes bring with them a large amount of rainwater that can seep into the ground and eventually into your basement. Snowstorms can also cause this. As the snow melts it can seep into the ground as well and through to your basement. If you find that your basements flood during the rainy or snowy season it’s most likely due to your basement being poorly or incorrectly sealed.
- Clogged Gutters
Gutters also help to move water away from the home. Water from the roof drains into the gutter and then into the downspout. If there is any debris from nearby trees ie. leaves, twigs, branches, etc., it can prevent the water from moving through the gutter. Likewise, a gutter that is clogged can also cause water to drain over top of the gutter along with the cause. This allows the water to settle on the side of the house and is another way for water to get into the basement. It’s best to check and clean your gutters regularly to prevent this.
- Poorly installed downspouts
Downspouts are meant to drain water away from the home. They should be at least 6ft away and drain off towards the street or the yard. If they aren’t installed properly or have cracks and breaks it can allow for water to settle on the side of the home. This water will eventually seep into the basement. If there are cracks in the foundation then that water can come rushing in depending on how bad the crack and if it’s during a time of heavy rain. Thus, contacting a foundation repair company or foundation repair contractor is recommended as soon you discover cracks in your home’s foundation.
- Water supply line failure
Your water supply line is one of the leading causes of a flooded basement. Your supply line (pipes) can burst, crack, or get clogged due to a number of factors. All of this can cause your pipes to flood your basement and flood it quickly. It’s important to check them where possible to make sure that they’re working well. You should replace old pipes as soon as possible. If there are clogs you’ll need a professional to come in and clear it out to make sure that water can pass through smoothly and avoid pressure buildup which can lead to your pipes bursting. Weather can also result in pipes bursting. During snowy months the water in pipes can freeze and cause them to crack. Want to make sure that you insulate your home against this.
- Hot water tank failure
The hot water tank is one of those things that we often take for granted. However, it’s something that can cause a lot of damage if it should stop working or have other issues. Your hot water tank is one of the three major causes of flooding. It can also be dangerous. Should something happen and your hot water tank start leaking water into your basement you may not notice right away and step into very hot water. It’s important to check your tank often and make sure that it is working properly.
- Drainage system failure
This particular issue will require a specialist to come in and do an evaluation. All homes should be built with a drainage system that works to move water away from the home. If for any reason it’s not been installed properly or it fails you can find your home flooding as the water from the drainage system seeps into the home. This is something that you have to pay close attention to and hire the necessary help the moment you notice it in order to prevent a much larger issue.
By being able to identify the common cause of basement flood you can avoid having to pay for water damage and restoration services. Your home is your safe place, you want to keep it that. Make sure that you know possible areas of risks and take measures to prevent them. Flooding in the home can be very expensive as equipment and other valuables may be destroyed or damaged in the process. Something to keep in mind though is that life is unpredictable. Even with preventative measures, your basement may still flood. Weather is unpredictable and things like pipes and water heaters can burst and go bad at any time. It’s always good to have an emergency fund that you can use for storm damage repair services.