A Flooded Basement – Part 2, Common Causes

Even if you’re far from a floodplain or a river, almost every home is at risk of rising waters in their basement. Coming home to this mess is an unpleasant surprise to say the least, but where is all the water coming from? There are several sources – some natural and some you can control – that affect the chances of your basement becoming flooded. Read on to find out!

The Rain

Severe changes in climate – a storm for example – is one of the biggest culprits for a flood. Too much rain in too short of a time can cause waterproofing systems to overload and fail.

Poorly Weatherized Buildings

Poorly built homes that are not properly weatherized have a much greater chance at flooding. Foundations that are improperly sealed or tiled will not guide excessive rain away from the house and into the street.

A Steep Lawn

The slope of your lawn, also called the grade, can contribute to your basement flooding. A highly steeped lawn running in the direction of your home causes water to stream towards your house instead of away. Not sure where the water is headed? Take a walk around the house the next time it is raining; if you see any pools of water then this may be a small indication you have a drainage problem.

Sewage Backups

Most sewage lines are located lower than your home to allow dirty water from tubs, toilets, and sinks to be carried away. If this line breaks or becomes clogged, the water can rise above the level of your basement and come rushing in – YUCK!

Sump Pump Failures

Sump pumps are often designed for communities built on wetter lands like swamps and marshes. They are set in basins drilled into the floor of the basement and act as a fail-safe by mechanically pumping out excess water. Similar to sewage backups, if your sump pump fails you are at great risk of the dirty water running back to you.

Properly identifying the cause is one of the first and most important steps of dealing with a flooded basement. Always call a professional technician to come serve your needs. Reaching out to a certified expert will help you avoid unwanted costs and/or further damages done by someone who is poorly trained.

Sources Cited

1 Angie’s List. “The Causes and Costs of A Flooded Basement”