What Causes Basement Flooding? | Prevention Tips

Has different reasons for basement flooding. The condition usually occurs when a large quantity of water gathers in the basement. It can happen due to many reasons and the consequences that follow are numerous. The stagnant water can pose a serious threat. It can affect the well being and safety of the house. Basement flooding can also cause many other damages to the house as it can lead to the growth of mold, it can damage the foundation of the house, stored items can go to waste, or it can also damage furniture. Have many cases where house owners undertake the task of restoring a flooded basement. But you have to know that a small amount of accumulated water can lead to water damage. In this case, you should bring in a restoration specialist.

What Causes Basement Flooding?

A flood in the basement can occur due to many reasons. The water sources that are both outside and inside are mainly the cause.

• Outside Sources Can Cause Water Damage

When a basement flooding happens is often due to outside sources. Melting of snow, storms, rainfall, etc. can lead to basement flooding. The accumulation of water in the basement can lead to some serious damage to the foundation of the house.

• Leaking or Broken Pipes

Broken or leaking pipes is the leading cause of basement floods and basement water damage. We recommend that for a temporary fix, you can turn the valves off and stop the supply of water.

• Sewage Backup

In cases when you see that the water accumulated in the basement is dirty and has odour then there is a chance that the water is from a sewage backup. In order to prevent further accumulation, do not use the bathrooms, washing machine or even run water through any drain.

Some other cases of standing water in the basement are:

•  Poor drainage system.
•  Water on the surface dribbling down to the foundation.
• The hydrostatic forces pushing groundwater up through your foundation.
•  Stormwater coming from the sewage.

The essential thing that you have to do is keeping a distance from the stagnant water. Don't step into the water as it puts you at risk of getting an electrical shock. It also is recommended to cut off all the power supply and turning all the appliances off. Do not touch any electrical appliances if you are standing in the water. Just to be on the safe side, you can seek the help of an electrician. It is possible, detect the source of water and try to cut off the flow. Some of the water sources include leakage in pipes, broken pipes, groundwater or sewage backup. The measures you take to cut the source of supply solely depends on the water flooding. After that, in order to get rid of the odor or moisture, you can open the windows for ventilation. Ensure you pump the water out as soon as possible. The Renocvo team of professionals can also help in cleanup and restoration.

How to Prevent Flood in the Basement?

There are many ways that can help you in preventing flooded basements once you have dealt with the situation. Some of them are:

• Secure and Insulate Pipes
• Sewage Backwater Valves Must be Maintained
• Carefully Flush and Dump
• Fix drainage Problems

Try and address drainage issues before they turn into larger problems. If you do need to restore or remove water from your basement, call the Renovco experts at 613-727-7070.