Basement flooding is one of the most common and costly problems faced by homeowners. Water can enter your basement through cracks in the foundation, gaps around windows and doors, or through the floor-drain system. Once water is in your basement, it can damage your belongings, cause mold and mildew growth, and create slip-and-fall hazards.

To avoid problems caused by basement flooding, you should work on learning about its causes and how to fix the problem when it happens. Read this brief guide and get started.

1. Foundation Drainage

One of the most common problems that can cause basement flooding is poor foundation drainage. When the soil around your foundation becomes saturated with water, it puts pressure on the foundation walls and can cause them to crack or collapse. Foundation drains are designed to remove water from the soil around the foundation and prevent this from happening.

If your foundation drains are not functioning properly, water will build up around your foundation and eventually cause your basement to flood. There are a few different ways to solve this problem:

• 
  Install new or additional foundation drains
• Repair cracked or broken foundation walls
• Install a sump pump to remove water from the area around the foundation

If you are experiencing basement flooding due to poor foundation drainage, it is important to take action as soon as possible to prevent further damage to your home.

2. Sewer Backup

Sewer backups are one of the most common and costly problems that homeowners face. A backup can occur for many reasons, but the most common is a blockage in the sewer line. When this happens, sewage and wastewater can back into your home through the drains, causing extensive damage.

If you have a basement, the risk of flooding is even greater. A backup can quickly fill your basement with sewage and water, leading to costly repairs.

The good news is that you can take steps to prevent a sewer backup. The first step is to call a professional. They can assess the situation and determine the best course of action.

In the meantime, you can take steps to minimize the damage. First, turn off the power to your home to prevent electrocution. Then, remove any standing water with a wet/dry vacuum.

Once the water is removed, you can start cleaning and disinfecting the affected areas. It’s essential to throw away anything contaminated by sewage or water.

3. Sump Pump Failure

The sump pump is responsible for pumping water out of the basement and keeping it dry. Water can quickly accumulate in the basement if the pump fails, leading to flooding.

There are a few different reasons why a sump pump might fail. The most common is a power outage. If the power goes out, the pump will not be able to operate, and water will start to accumulate.

Another common reason for sump pump failure is a clogged intake. The pump relies on an intake to bring water into the pump. If the intake becomes clogged, the pump will not be able to operate correctly.

It is essential to act quickly if your sump pump fails and you start to experience basement flooding. The longer the water sits in your basement, the more damage it will cause.

If you have a backup power source, such as a generator, you can use it to power the sump pump until the power is restored. On the other hand, if you do not have a backup power source, you will need to manually remove the water from the basement. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or a submersible pump.

Final Thoughts

It is important to be aware of the potential for basement flooding and to take steps to prevent it. Many things can cause basement flooding, from heavy rains to broken pipes. Should it still happen despite preventive measures, you must contact professionals to solve the matter immediately?

If you need basement flood proofing services for your property in Hartford County, CT or throughout Western MA,  give us a call at Advanced Basement Waterproofing!