Basement flooding is a common problem not only in wet but also in dry weather. The reason behind this is that they are usually built partially, if not completely, underground. That’s precisely why 98% of basements in the USA experience water damage in their lifetime. While rain and snowmelt are the most common reasons for basement flood, several other reasons can also lead to the hassle. Since no basements are immune, it is best to understand the common causes of floods and mitigate them.
- Sewage backups
Sewer systems are well-managed by several municipal programs. However, heavy rains can lead to a surcharged condition where the sewers are full. If the sewer pipes are full, the sewage rises above the basement level in such a scenario. This can either block the sewage flow or, in the worse case, turn it towards your home, leading to floods. The excess water in the system can enter the basement through low fixtures, toilets, sinks, etc. Besides the basement floods, sewage backups can also lead to health problems. Hence, it is essential to understand how to prevent them.
You can take various steps to prevent a sewage backup, such as:
- Install backwater prevention valves to avoid the backflow of sewage
- Use plastic piping so that tree roots cannot break through it
- Maintain your sewer lateral to keep it clean
- Dispose of paper products properly to prevent blockage
- Avoid disposing of grease as it will solidify in the drain
If a sewage backup occurs even after all the prevention, it is best to call experts to clean it to avoid potential health hazards. The best thing is that, with the experts to help, you don’t even have to worry about deteriorating your landscape for sewer pipes repair or replacement. They can help mitigate the backup with modern ways such as professional trenchless sewer repair to avoid damage to the household.
- Sump pump malfunction
Sump pumps are devices installed to remove accumulated water. They are usually used in basements or houses with water table levels above the home’s foundation. If you have a sump pump in your basement, there are pretty good chances that its failure can lead to floods. The failure can be caused due to numerous reasons such as old age, electricity power supply, improper installment, over or under-sized, etc.
The best way to prevent a flood due to sump pump failure is to ensure its timely maintenance. Also, you need to ensure that it is installed correctly. For instance, if you set it up in dirt or gravel, the soil will enter the pump’s on/off switch and float arm, leading to failure. Similarly, if a check valve is not installed on the discharge line, the water can flow backward and fail the equipment.
- Excess seepage
When the water level rises, it can enter your home and the basement through cracks and holes. It usually occurs as a result of an old house and the materials used to build it. In this scenario, no matter how efficient your drainage system or the pipes are, the water will still get into the basement. Heavy rains and snowmelt can further worsen the condition.
To prevent basement floods via excess seepage, you need to delve deep to find the root of the problem. It means to find the walls or areas from where the water is entering the house. Based on the underlying cause, you can then find a solution and use it to prevent seepage. For instance, if the water enters from the wall’s cracks, you can re-paint the wall to fill them. On the other hand, install window covers to prevent seepage if water is coming in from them.
- Drainage failure
Like the sewage system, every home has a drainage system that drives water away from the home’s foundation. If the drainage system fails, the water will seep into and accumulate in the house instead of moving far. The biggest challenge with drainage failure is that you cannot quickly identify it. While you can easily recognize sewage backup due to foul odor, the same is not true with drainage system failures. Hence, you will have to call experts for a thorough inspection to spot the underlying cause.
- Clogged gutters
Gutters and downspouts play a vital role in keeping your basement dry. Hence, if you haven’t yet, installing them is the first thing to do. However, if the gutters are near a tree, they can be easily clogged with debris such as fallen leaves or twigs. That said, you will have to clean them regularly to avoid clogging. A little time cleansing your gutters will save you a lot of time you might have to spend cleaning the basement.
Those were some common causes of basement floods. You can now take measures to act preventative and mitigate the chances of future floods.
Meta title:How to Deal with the Common Causes of Basement Flooding
meta desc: Basement floods are a common occurrence across the USA, especially during heavy rains. However, rains and snow melting aren’t the only causes of basement flooding. Learn some other common causes and the ways to deal with them.
