What To Do If Your Basement Floods Whenever It Rains | WaterWork Plumbing

Common Plumbing Problems, How-To, Seasonal, Water Pressure,

What To Do If Your Basement Floods From Rain

You don’t need heavy downfalls for your home to flood. Spring showers can cause basement floods. Spring rain is terrific for your garden and lawn, but not so good if that water is leaking into your basement. Whenever it rains, your basement is at risk of flooding. Even light rain can enter your home.

Unwelcome plumbing problems are a result of changing seasons. With temperature fluctuations, melting ice and snow can cause extra water to puddle in your gutters. This excess water drips from your downspouts and enters your home through weak spots in your masonry foundation or through cracks in mortar joints.

 

Basement Floods And Rain

Common causes of basement leaks are from pressure created by water in the soil surrounding your foundation. Three (3) different forms of pressure can cause concerns:

  • Persistent rain causes soil saturation, creating hydrostatic pressure (or water pressure). This pressure forces moisture through your basement walls and floor.
  • Loose soil around your foundation absorbs water. Your gutters and downspouts get clogged with rainwater that pools right next to your foundation. As this soil expands, it creates lateral (or sideways) pressure against the foundation, causing leaks and foundation damage.
  • If your window well isn’t installed correctly, your window well can fill with rainwater which seeps into your basement.

Cracks in your walls and floors are open invitations for water problems. Wall stains and pooling water on your floor are signs of a leaky basement. And, it’s your basement that can suffer the most damage. Floods cause trouble and it’s important to know what to do if you have basement problems.

 

Floods

 

Would YOU  Know What To Do If Your Basement Floods? 

1. Contact City Water Department

Local municipalities will be able to inform you on the mainline sewer condition of your home. Have a general understanding of your pipeline and sanitation drain structure.

 

2. Be Ready To Clean

Protect yourself by wearing eye protection, gloves, and boots. Be careful where you step too. Take care not to spread sewage contamination to other parts of your home. It’s easy to track flood water throughout other areas of your home if your shoes have dirty water on them.

Bubbling sewer drain water contains dangerous contaminants. Cover all exposed areas of skin and keep children and pets clear of flooding areas.

 

3. Mop Up And Dry Water

Make sure affected basement areas are clean. Mix eight (8) tablespoons of liquid chlorine bleach with one (1) gallon of water to disinfect all surfaces that have come in contact with flood water.

 

Floods

 

Tips To Prevent Basement Floods:

  • Consult a professional for repairs and waterproofing.
  • Inspect your lateral sewer lines for root intrusion and blockages.
  • Snake your piping annually.
  • Check basement walls for any cracks or weak spots.
  • Seal basement window wells, vents, and exterior openings.
  • Keep water away from your foundation by grading the landscape away from your home.
  • Extend downspouts five (5) feet from your home’s foundation.

 

4. Throw Out Any Items In Question

Take photographs of ruined items for insurance claims purposes. You don’t want to take any chances by keeping contaminated and toxic items.

 

DID YOU KNOW?

“Flushable wipes clog sewer lines and pumps, which increases the risk of basement flooding… Baby wipes, facial tissues, paper towels, and sanitary products cause blockages and DO NOT break down like toilet paper does.” St. Clair Shores Directory

 

5. Remove Damaged Drywall

To eliminate the growth of mold, remove all flooded drywall within 24 hours of the flood.

 

6. Contact A Water Damage Pro

Contact a water damage professional or plumber who can access, inform, and fix repairs. Also, emergency sewer service professionals will be able to inform you on preventative sewer drain measures you can take during heavy rain seasons.

Your home piping relies on how well you maintain your piping system and sewers. Therefore, it’s advantageous to work with a trusted team who can help you develop a preventative plan of action—before an emergency.

 

Maintenance Prevents Basement Floods

 

“Maintenance is key! To eliminate basement flood probabilities, plan in advance. Have your sewer drains snaked out annually. A typical sewer drain is 6-12” in diameter. Cut through unwanted roots and debris by using the biggest cutter possible. Advanced technology can easily scope out what’s in your pipeline. To prevent basement floods initiating from the sewer, there are also safe foaming root killers available on the market.” —Tom Cusmano, G & C Sewer Service

 

7. Be Proactive

Don’t wait for the rain to fall. Contact your insurance company in advance. Review your homeowners policy early each year. Confirm with your underwriter or agent on what’s covered and what’s not.

 

Floods

 

8. If Needed, Install A Waterproofing System

The most effective way to keep rainwater out of your basement is to install an interior drainage system. A proven solution for keeping the basement dry, a good waterproofing system minimizes hydrostatic pressure.

An interior drain tile connects to a sump pump. This drain tile runs along the foundation joint where your floor meets the wall. This area is where most water leakage occurs.

 

What NOT To Do If Your Basement Floods:

  • Do NOT enter rooms with sagging ceilings
  • Do NOT touch or use plugged in electrical items
  • Do NOT store electrical fans or other appliances near water
  • Do NOT use heat to dry your flooded interiors
  • Do NOT allow children or pets to play in any flooded area

 

Is Your Basement Ready For Rain?

Your home may or may not need a waterproofing system. Nonetheless, if you can capture water before it makes its way onto your basement floor, you’ll be prepared for anything spring showers may bring.

Take steps to prevent floods! Contact your Metro Detroit Plumber Team to conduct a basement inspection. WaterWork Plumbing: 248-542-8022

 

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