Reasons For Basement Floods

A basement flooding can be annoying, frustrating, and stressful. Floods cause an immense amount of water damage which can lead to mildew and mold if not quickly disposed of properly. By understanding what causes your basement to flood, you are able to take the necessary steps to prevent it in the future.

Water Damage – Wickliffe

Unfortunately, there isn't just one cause for basement floods. However, there are some common reasons to help you whittle down the root cause of your basement flood.

Location

Location is a huge factor in the conditions inside the house and is one of the leading factors of basement floods. If your home is at the bottom of a hill or on a low point, it is likely that water will gather in your basement. Additionally, if you live near a river or any body of water that overflows frequently, that could be a cause of a flood.

If you live in a location that is prone to flooding, it's important to have a sump pump installed in your basement to avoid 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.

Malfunctioning Drainage Systems

There are different drainage systems that are present in your home to help prevent water damage. If any of these malfunction in some way, it is bound to become an issue. Gutters are essential in the water discharge system attached to your home. If these become clogged by debris like leaves, sticks, or other materials, they are prevented from completing their job of moving water away from the 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 2 times a year, depending on the foliage around your home.

Downspouts are another important 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.

Another drainage system present in your home is drain tiles, also known as weeping tiles. This is an underground pipe system that is designed to collect and discharge underground water safely away from your foundation. If the drain tiles fail or break down over time, it may cause a failure that can lead to a flood in your basement.

Failed Weatherproofing

All homes need proper weatherproofing, no matter if your area experiences heavy rain frequently or not. When rain does hit your home, and it is ill-prepared, there are good chances that you will experience some sort of water damage. Unsealed walls, floors, and basements will open your home to flooding. Even if everything was sealed properly during construction, you will need to constantly reseal when they begin to crack in order to maintain the foundation properly.

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 important to know when to turn to professionals for help. Professionals at Pine Ridge Restoration are here to help whenever you are struggling with water damage and ensure a job is well done every time.