A basement flood transforms your house into a complete disaster area within a short period. The extent of flooding from a few inches to total inundation leads to serious expenses, intense stress, and prolonged repair work. ONT Restoration Services has experienced the complete devastation that results from flooded basements. But the good news? Proper precautions help stop most cases of basement flooding.
When you arrive home after work you discover water collecting in your basement floor. Your sudden panic strikes when you understand your items together with furniture and home structure face possible danger. Learning how to prevent basement flooding becomes crucial before reaching such a situation.
The Most Common Causes of Basement Flooding
Poor Drainage Around the Foundation
A flooded basement occurs primarily because of inadequate drainage surrounding the home foundation. The improper direction of water leads to its accumulation before it finds entry points through basement wall cracks or weak areas. The situation becomes worse when gutters become blocked or get installed improperly because the water accumulates near the foundation instead of moving away safely.
The solution? The proper drainage of water becomes possible through clear gutters and downspouts which should point water away from the foundation by at least six feet. The proper grading of foundation soil to create downward slopes will help keep water at bay from unwanted areas.
Cracks in the Foundation or Walls
Small cracks in your basement walls together with floor cracks will create paths for water to enter your home. The continuous rise of groundwater pressure makes water seep through weak basement areas which produces unexpected flooding.
Checking your basement walls and floor needs to be performed regularly. You should immediately use a waterproofing solution to seal any detected cracks. Professional advice becomes necessary for addressing major cracks or persistent issues to stop additional problems from occurring.
Malfunctioning Sump Pump
A sump pump stands as the primary protector that keeps water from flooding your basement. A sump pump works continuously to evacuate water from your home yet its failure because of power outages, mechanical problems, or clogs results in your basement becoming flooded.
Regular maintenance of sump pumps requires testing them at least every few months to prevent failure. Check the sump pit activation by adding water to it. The installation of a battery-powered backup sump pump provides basement flood protection when the power goes out.
Sewer Backup
A sewer backup stands as one of the worst causes that lead to flooded basements. Excessive rainfall that exceeds the capacity of municipal sewer systems results in sewage reversal through floor drains creating hazardous conditions of water damage and contamination.
A backwater valve installation will stop sewage from getting into your basement area. Exercise caution when flushing drains by keeping out grease and wipes along with any other items that could cause clogs.
Burst or Leaking Pipes
Your basement can become flooded by a pipe burst that occurs instantly. Pipes break because of freezing temperatures and corrosion as well as high-pressure water. A minor leak will eventually result in serious damage that promotes mold growth while weakening your building foundation.
The cold season requires insulated pipes to stop freezing and you should continuously check for water leaks. Unexplained drops in water pressure along with any water stains should lead to immediate investigation to stop major issues from developing.
Overloaded or Blocked Drainage System
The drainage system of a basement operates to prevent water infiltration yet its failure occurs when drainage elements become obstructed or outdated. The drain systems of older homes commonly experience failures because they were designed to handle less water than modern homes need during storms.
Basement dryness depends on periodic cleaning and maintenance of floor drains. The installation of French drains will help you redirect water away from your home.
What to Do If Your Basement Floods
Your best efforts will not always prevent basement flooding. These steps should be followed when you encounter a flooded basement:
- Safety should be your first concern so avoid basement entry when water stands and electrical dangers exist. Shut off power to the affected area.
- Contact ONT Restoration Services for professional flood restoration because they specialize in basement water removal and fast home restoration.
- Water damage becomes worse with time so you need to remove it immediately. Start the water removal process by using a wet/dry vacuum or sump pump when it is safe to do so.
- The area needs both drying and dehumidification through the use of fans and dehumidifiers to stop mold development.
- Disinfect all surfaces together with items because floodwater contains harmful bacteria and contaminants.
The Flood Damage Restoration Team at ONT Restoration Services Provides Detailed Assistance During Such Situations
ONT Restoration Services provides quick recovery solutions through extensive flood restoration services because we recognize the critical situation of flooded basements. Our team specializes in:
- Emergency flooded basement water removal
- Structural drying and dehumidification
- Mold prevention and remediation
- Foundation waterproofing and implementation of sump pumps form part of our services.
The team of experienced professionals at our company stands ready to help homeowners around the clock. The services we deliver to your home consist of restoration followed by proactive measures that stop floods from recurring.
Final Thoughts
Homeowners face a nightmare when their basements flood but implementing proper knowledge and early proactive steps brings a significant reduction to this risk. Taking prompt action against common causes of basement flooding protects homeowners from basement flooding-related stress, financial costs, and property damage.
ONT Restoration Services exists to assist when you need flood restoration services. Contact us now to receive expert services together with total peace of mind. Protect your basement now before any disaster occurs.