Causes of Basement Floods

It should always be kept in mind that gravity moves water from above to below. If groundwater or sewer water that is around the house is above the basement floor, even a single crack within your basement floor foundation can make water move into the basement creating a perfect passage for the water to flow inside.

Another reason for excess moisture presence in the basement may be due to the climate of the region. Moisture may also accumulate in basements as a result of not enough gutters installed in the house, improperly installed downspouts, or when proper landscaping isn’t done on the property.

A flood in the basement can make the extent of water damage to the property a potentially serious problem. Apart from the physical damage to property, your health can be affected by mold growth, and a depreciation in property values can happen as a result of recurrent flooding.

Some of the most common reasons causing basements to flood include:

• Heavy rainfalls


• Leaks or cracks within basement walls


• Poor lot drainage system


• Failure in weeping tiles


• Overflowing of sewer tanks


• Blockage in the pipes connecting to the main sewer system


• Failure in the sump pump


• Natural flooding

 

A number of non-weather related reasons for basement flooding may include the flow or seepage of water through the foundation floor or the walls, from surface water sources or even through a sanitary or storm sewer.

Basement Flood Proofing Techniques

Basement flood proofing involves different kinds of techniques that help in preventing water from getting inside the basement, and an effective way to do most of this waterproofing includes sealers as well as the drainage. A wet basement may suffer from foundation cracks, seepage or other water problems.

To prevent this from happening, there are three different ways to stop water from entering the basement.

1. Drainage of interior water: Even though preventing interior water drainage isn’t technically proper waterproofing, it still is a widely used technique to help move the water away from the interior or the basement. This is usually done with the help of sump pumps or different kinds of water coating techniques.


2. Drainage of exterior water as well as waterproofing coatings: Exterior waterproofing techniques help in preventing water from entering the wall foundations. This practice prevents wicking or molding within the building materials.


3. Seal vulnerable areas of the basement and walls: There is a lot of chance that if the floor of your basement has cracks in its foundation or within the pipes that are the most common entry point to the seepage, you might have a water problem within your basement. To prevent such basement water damage, it is highly recommended to seal off the leaking areas of the pipe and cracks in the basement foundations.

 

By taking steps early and enacting basement flood proofing techniques, you can avoid most causes of flooding and also reduce the amount of damage that occurs in the event of an emergency.

Water in Your Basement? Contact SERVPRO of Oldham/Shelby/Trimble/Henry/Spencer/Carroll to speak to a Mitigation Specialist. 502.241.6861