Basement flooding can be a common occurrence, especially when we get excessive amounts of rain in a short period of time, as we have seen happen a few times this year! Any house can be at risk, and water flooding can result in costly repairs due to water damage or mold and mildew growth. The following is a list of causes and precautions to help you avoid flood damage in your home!
Common Causes of Flooding
Before any water damage happens in your home or property, you should know the most common causes. Awareness can help you avoid any unfortunate or potentially dangerous situations in the future. The most common causes of basement flooding are:
Increase in rain or snowmelt
Leaks in your pipes or plumbing
Damaged, cracked or broken pipes
Toilet clogs and system backups
Frozen pipes
Unsealed basement walls and floors
Sewage backup
There are several factors that can cause flooding in your home, so it’s important that you know the dangers and how to prevent them from happening. When it comes to basement flooding, prevention is key.
Flooding Prevention
Any sort of water present, large or small scale, can cause damage to your home. Water in your home or basement can lead to serious damage, ruined belongings, and even health hazards for you and your family. If any water is left standing, mold growth can happen very quickly. At the first sign of any water present, you should call a professional immediately.
Sump Pump
If your home is prone to basement flooding, you should seriously consider a sump pump installation. A sump pump removes groundwater accumulation underneath your home and pushes it away from your home. Typically installed in your basement or crawlspace, sump pumps are extremely effective in preventing water accumulation. Because they run on electricity, you may want to consider a battery backup, so you continue to be protected in the event of an outage.
Ejector Pump
If your basement is finished and has a bathroom, it’s likely that you already have an ejector pump. Plumbing systems use gravity to their advantage, and if your bathroom is lower than your sewer line, it may need a little extra help. An ejector pump helps to carry waste to the sewer line, so it if malfunctions, you could end up with sewage in your basement. Ejector pumps also run on electricity, so a backup is important.