The Top Causes of Basement Flooding

Basement flooding is a widespread problem that can occur both during dry and wet weather. Although no basement is immune to flooding, understanding why your basement floods can help you learn how to avoid these disasters. Here are some of the most common causes of basements flooding:

• The house was built in an unsuitable location. If your home’s lot grading is not properly designed, surface drainage will be directed towards your home, resulting in basement flooding. In this case, consider reshaping your yard, so that rain or storm water flows away from your home’s foundation.
• The walls and floor are not properly sealed. During the construction of a house or when remodeling, the walls and floor of the basement must be waterproofed with a sealant to avoid water leakage and flooding. Maintain your basement’s walls and floors regularly and seal any cracks or openings you find.
• The gutter system is clogged. Your gutters and downspouts may be blocked by debris and overflow with water during heavy rainfall. The excess water will seep through the soil near your home’s foundation, inundating your basement. Clean and inspect your gutter system regularly (at least once a year) to ensure proper drainage.
• A sewer backup has occurred. Sometimes, the sewer system can become overwhelmed with wastewater or storm water, causing water to back up into your home through toilets, sinks or floor drains. Install backwater valves to stop backflows on the sanitary sewer line. Read more about black water damage in this article.
• The sump pump has failed. Although sump pumps are designed to keep your basement safeguarded from water, you should inspect, clean, and test them regularly to reduce the chance of a malfunction happening and avoid basement flooding.

In the event that your basement has flooded, you need to dry it as soon as possible. However, safety should be your top priority. Follow these tips to learn how to deal with a flooded basement efficiently. More tips on how to prevent basement flooding are available here. For professional fire, water and mold restoration services, contact your local PuroClean office.