You head down the stairs to gather something from the basement, only to discover it’s covered in ankle-deep water. Once your basement floods, you’re faced with the daunting task of repairs and minimizing the damage. However, prevention is often the best measure. We’ll take a look at the most common causes of basement flooding, how to avoid them, and what to do if your basement is covered in standing water.
The Most Common Causes of Basement Flooding and How to Prevent Them
Cause: Rainwater Runoff
When heavy rain hits, it needs somewhere to go. Unfortunately, it sometimes ends up in our basements, especially if there are no methods in place to direct the water away from the house. This includes landscaping that may cause water to gather closer to your home.
Prevention: Inspect and Maintain Gutters
Regularly clean your gutters and ensure they’re directing water away from your home. A little maintenance goes a long way. Be sure to invest in landscape grading that will help protect your home from water buildup—especially in the event of some of the severe thunderstorms experienced in the Burlington and Greensboro areas.
Cause: Poor Foundation Sealing
Cracks and gaps in the foundation walls or floor can give water a way into your basement. From there it can gradually build up, causing extensive damage. It’s one of the common causes of basement flooding.
Prevention: Inspect and Seal Cracks
It’s vital to do a thorough inspection of your home, particularly checking for foundation cracks. If found, seal them immediately with high-quality waterproofing products.
Cause: Faulty Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged or misaligned gutters can’t do their job of directing rainwater away from your home, leading to potential flooding issues.
Prevention: Clean, Inspect, or Repair Gutters as Needed
While no one likes the task of cleaning gutters, this is a vital chore that can alleviate one of the causes of basement flooding. Be sure to make repairs promptly—you don’t want to wait for the next severe thunderstorm to discover that you have a problem!
Cause: Sump Pump Mishaps
Ah, the trusty sump pump. When it fails to do its job due to power outages or mechanical issues, your basement can end up looking like a scene from a disaster movie.
Prevention: Maintain Your Sump Pump
Be sure you test your sump pump regularly. You may even want to consider a backup power source for extremely stormy days or in the event of flash flood warnings. This can keep your sump pump from becoming one of the common causes of basement flooding.
How Basement Flooding Affects Your Home
Did you know that basement flooding can affect the value of your home? Not only can the flooding ruin furniture and electronics, but it can create a breeding ground for mold and mildew
And let’s not forget the potential damage to your home’s structural integrity.
Basement flooding can send your property value on a downward spiral. Buyers aren’t thrilled about inheriting water issues, so keeping your basement dry can be a big plus when it comes time to sell.
What To Do When Your Basement Is Flooded
Sometimes, despite trying to eliminate all the common causes of basement flooding, disaster can strike. Follow these guidelines to ensure you remain safe during this emergency.
Safety First
Before entering a flooded basement, make sure the electricity is off. Safety is non-negotiable.
Stop the Source
If the flooding is due to a burst pipe or plumbing issue, turn off the main water supply to prevent further damage.
Remove Water
If it’s safe, start removing water using a pump or bucket. We want to emphasize the term “if it’s safe.” So many times there are unseen hazards—especially if the water is from a river or creek that has flooded its banks. These waters can harbor all types of bacteria. Often, it’s best to leave this to the experts.
Call the Professionals
It’s what you don’t see that can cause the most damage. Despite your best efforts, you may unknowingly spread mold to other areas or overlook moisture-ridden places that may not be evident to the naked eye.
At First Call, we’ve helped families in the Greensboro, Burlington, and Triangle area for decades. Our water damage restoration services provide everything you need to repair damage and keep your home safe.
Basement Flooding? Don’t Take Chances—First Call Is The Right Call
Standing water in your basement is a stressful disaster. With so many potential causes of basement flooding, you need experienced professionals who will get to the heart of the matter. As a family-owned and operated business, we understand the importance of personalized, quality service.
Our specialties include everything from indoor air quality and duct cleaning to fire, water, and mold remediation.
Need a free estimate? All it takes is one call to get started. Contact us today and see why First Call is always the right call.
