Common Basement Flooding Causes

Since basements are partially built if they are not completely underground, they are prone to flooding. That is why a basement flood can take place not only during the spring flaw and rainy season but at any time of the year, even in dry conditions.

A flooded basement really can be a complete nightmare. Knowing what the most common basement flooding causes are and taking the right preventative measure are the most effective ways to prevent a nightmare from becoming true. Basement flooding has several causes that range from drainage problems, to burst pipes and bad weather.

Bad Basement Sealing:  Whenever a house is being constructed, the foundation and basement tiles must be properly sealed. If it deteriorates over time or is not done correctly, water will start seeping from the ground into the basement. That might be the cause if your basement floods during most or all rainstorms.

Although basements are known to flood, there are reasons for saturation to take place. The major reason is there a leak someplace. The following are the main places where leaks are caused:

Plumbing: This can range from a busted water pipe to a leaking water tank. A flooded basement can be caused by any water supply line that breaks.

Windows: These areas are weak that can cause leaks. Water may drip inside or pour close to the windows when the gutters are clogged or your yard floods.

Foundation: There are many reasons why your foundation causes floods. Some of the common reasons are sewer backups, pool drain issues, melted snow, and excessive rain.

Weeping Tile Failure: All houses need to have a drainage system that is constructed around the structure in order to help ensure water moves away from the home and doesn’t seep inside. If the system, which is also called weeping tiles, fails or is installed improperly, the basement might flood, particularly during heavy rain. In order to determine what the root cause is of your flooded basement, then you need to have a specialist inspect it.

Downspouts That Are Improperly Installed: The downspout’s job is directing water away from the foundation and house. Downspouts need to be at least 5 to 6 feet away from the basement’s wall so that it drains away from the house, normally towards the backyard or street. If the downspouts or missing or broken, water will end up pooling next to the home and may slowly seep into your basement or start pouring in through cracks in your foundation.

Gutter Debris: Eaves, troughs or gutters are also necessary to move water away from your house and ensure the basement stays dry. Gutters that are clogged with debris, seed pods, twigs, and leaves prevent water from moving from the roof, down through the downspout and then away from the house. When gutters are overflowing water will be forced down the sides of your house and then pool and seep inside your basement.

Faulty Sump Pump, Hot Water Tank, and Pipes: There are three main potential flood sources in your basement: the sump pump, hot water tank, and pipes. If any of them breaks or becomes damaged, a basement may flood. Pipes may fail from poor workmanship, age, or temperatures causing them to freeze and then crack and burst eventually. Both sump pumps and hot water tanks should be inspected every year for faults.

Other potential basement flooding causes include grading around the property and a sewage backup. All houses need a grading slope that goes away from the structure to lower the risk that your basement will flood.

First Response Restoration has flood restoration experts working on basement flooding issues. If your basement floods, we will answer your phone call 24/7/365 and handle the entire restoration process for you including water extraction, drying, and if necessary, mold remediation. Our trustworthy flood specialists work quickly and safely so that you can focus on getting your life back to normal.