When water enters the basement due to heavy rain, a clogged drainage system, or a sudden burst of underground pipes, it is called a basement flood. When your basement is flooded, it can damage your things if you use the basement as a storage area, or a flooded basement can weaken the base, resulting in foundation cracks. If the issue of a flooded basement is not addressed quickly, it can pose severe dangers, from mildew growth to health risks, and it can deteriorate the basement walls and flooring. Thus, flood restoration is required as a priority. This blog discusses everything that property owners should know and be aware of.
How Can Flooding Occur in Basements?
Basements are prone to flooding because they are entirely underground and susceptible to natural events. When storms or hurricanes occur, they can impact the basement and result in basement flooding. There are other reasons for the flooded basement, and below are the common causes of a basement flood:
Overland flooding
Water flows across the land’s surface when heavy rainfall or rapid snowmelt overwhelms the drainage system, causing overland flooding. Apart from natural disasters, urban development contributes to overland flooding, including land degradation, soil erosion, and a lack of overland flow routes in older neighborhoods. If you are living in such areas, there is an increased chance of basement flooding.
Drainage Failure
Drainage system failure refers to the complete collapse of drainage pipes, causing wastewater to no longer drain into the city’s drainage system. This system is known as a weeping tile. Weeping tile failure or improper installation leads to a flooded basement.
The property owner has built a basement around the structure, allowing water to seep directly into the drainage lines. This system is known as a weeping tile. Weeping tile failure or improper installation leads to a flooded basement.
Sump pump failure is another reason for a flooded basement. A sump pump in your basement is a device that removes water from the basement through a network of pipes. If it fails or cracks for any reason, such as a lack of maintenance, old age, or improper installation, it can lead to a basement flood, especially during heavy rain.
Sewer Backup
The home gutters typically connect to basement drainage and municipal sewer lines. If your home gutter becomes clogged due to oil, grease, or improper disposal of sanitary napkins, it slows the flow of water into the basement drain and, over time, causes flooding. Municipal sewer lines eventually become clogged with debris and tree roots, which can accumulate in basement drains and cause basement flooding.
Signs of Basement Flood
Before it results in a severe basement flood, it shows signs that your basement can flood at any moment. The following are indicators of the flooded basement:
Damp Basement :
Basement flooring can deteriorate over time, resulting in cracks and water seepage into the basement. This causes your basement to remain wet for an extended period, and if left unnoticed and unaddressed, the result is a flooded basement.
Persistent Musty Smell in the Basement :
The basement is dark, and the humidity keeps it damp, making it a conducive environment for mold. In this humid atmosphere, mildew can grow rapidly, causing a musty odor in the basement. If you experience this foul smell every time, it indicates that your basement has mold. Due to the wetness arising from leaky drainage pipes or burst pipes, it suggests that the basement will flood.
Standing Water or Puddles :
If you notice standing water or puddles with no causes that you can see, it is a clear sign of the risk of a basement flood.
Navigating the Flooded Basement Challenges
- A flooded basement has multiple challenges, especially if it arises from sewer backups that contain harmful toxins, pathogens, and chemicals, which pose health risks to homeowners.
- Electrical damage is dangerous, as it is susceptible to water if your basement has electrical sockets. When water comes into contact with these electric connections, it may cause fire damage in the basement and further worsen the situation.
- Unexpected water intrusion can damage the basement walls and flooring, leading to mold growth.
Ensuring Safety and Protecting Your Property: Hire a Flood Restoration Company
Flooded basement water removal involves numerous steps. Therefore, you need a flood restoration that ensures your safety and protects your property from further damage. Flood restoration includes removing the standing water and drying the basement to prevent mold growth. Then, professionals restore the salvageable items and dispose of the non-salvageable things at an authorized location. Afterward, experts can clean and sanitize the basement, returning it to a functional space.
Call Us For Your Flooded Basement Restoration
We, ONT Restoration Company, are well-equipped with every tool and device required for flood restoration. Call us anytime if your basement sustains damage from the flood. We immediately visited your site and initiated a comprehensive basement cleanup process to ensure that your basement does not face any future issues, such as floor leakage or mold.
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