Causes Of Basement Flooding

A basement that is constantly flooding can be highly annoying and stressful to have to deal with time and time again. Aside from the constant threat of water damage, constant flooding can also be dangerous. Flooding can cause mold growth, which can lead to a multitude of health hazards and structural problems. But if you can identify the cause of repeated flooding, you can prevent water damage, eliminate risks, and keep your basement dry all year. 

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Unfortunately, there isn’t just one definitive cause for flooding. There are several factors that you will need to consider in order to figure it out. In your case, it could be one cause, or there could be several problems that you are unaware of. Here are some of the most common reasons to watch out for to figure out the root cause of your basement flooding. 

Dysfunctional Drainage Systems

Drainage systems outside of your home are vital in keeping rain and other moisture from making it inside your home. When any of the parts of the system don’t work in the way they should, it can lead to the need for water damage restoration. Gutters are an essential part of the discharge system attached to your home. If these become clogged by debris, like leaves, sticks, and other materials, they are prevented from completing their job of moving water away from home. When the gutters are overflowing, water will run down the sidings, destroying them and running down into the basement. To prevent overflowing, gutters need to be cleaned out at least twice a year, depending on the foliage around your home. 

Downspouts are another essential part of the discharge system, pushing the water away from your home. Downspouts that are either not facing away from the home or are blocked can cause flooding as well. Make sure these are always free of debris, and clean them out along with the gutters. 

Drain or weeping tiles are another essential part of the drainage system keeping water away from your home. This underground pipe system is designed to collect and discharge underground water away from your foundation safely. If the drain tiles fail or break down over time, it may cause a failure, leading to a basement flood. 

Poor Weatherproofing

Proper weatherproofing is essential, no matter where you live. Whether you experience frequent rain or flooding in your location or not, you will need to weatherproof your home to minimize water damage when rain does eventually come along. Unsealed walls, floors, and basements will open your home to floods. Even if everything were correctly sealed during construction, you would need to reseal when they begin to crack constantly. 

Home Location

The location of your home is a huge factor when it comes to determining the cause of flooding in your basement. Homes that are located at the bottom of hills or on a low point have a higher likelihood of flooding. Additionally, if you live near a river or any body of water that overflows frequently, that could be a cause of floods. Homes in locations like these are the leading cause of basement flooding. 

If you live in a location that is prone to flooding, it’s essential to have a sump pump installed in your basement for these situations. These pumps essentially move any water that may collect in your basement to the outside of your home. It is installed in a shallow pit, and once the pit becomes full of water, the pump will push it out through tubing outdoors.

Knowing the causes of your basement flooding can help exponentially when trying to prevent this issue from occurring. Despite this, unforeseen problems can still arise, and it’s essential to know when to turn to professionals for help. Professionals at 24/7 Restoration Specialists are available to help begin water damage restoration and bring your home back to how you remember it.