Why Does My Basement Flood?

It’s common for house floods to occur in areas with heavy rainfall, and in northwest Detroit, it’s reported that 64% of homes experience one flooding.

But it’s not just in Detroit that you see homes experience flood water…

Basement flooding can be disastrous if you don’t identify the problem quickly or put the proper procedures in place to avoid a flooded basement.

Most of the time, people spot basement water too late and have to pay for high repair costs. Keep reading this article to help you understand why basement flooding happens and how to avoid a blocked basement drain. 

What Causes Basement Flooding?

Whether this is your first basement flooding experience or you keep facing floods in your home, it’s important to learn why the water is flooding your lower floor. 

For instance, one of the first causes of basement flooding is your house location. But, not everyone knows about their floor plans and how they can impact basement flooding.

House Location

You should examine your home location if you discover basement flooding, as it’s one of the most common causes of this water problem.

For example, here are the things to watch out for when assessing the location of your home:

• Flooding-prone area (near river or stream)
• Bottom of the hill (especially in rural areas)
• Low-grading lot (watch out for yard slopes)

Of course, some of these things can be seen quickly, such as a river or pond nearby. But, you might need to require a professional to have a look to examine your property and its location.

That way, you can get a professional opinion, and they can recommend what solution would work best for your home. 

Not Prepared for Weather

Another reason basements can flood is not preparing your home for extreme weather conditions like ice and snow. This is especially important for heavy downpours, hurricanes, and powerful winds.

At the moment when a home is insulated and built, the floors and foundations must be waterproofed and sealed. Ideally, you’ll have a professional seal to secure the different areas of your home. 

Over time, it’s natural for sealants to wear away and rub off, so if your home is old or hasn’t been inspected in a while, it can cause basement flooding issues. 

The last thing you want is a sewer flood, so it’s essential to schedule a home repair to upgrade the sealants and add an extra layer of protection to your home structure. 

For instance, a professional service can also provide a sump pump to help with proper drainage. This is a great way to protect your house and prevent extra costs for flooding damage.

Blocked Gutter 

A blocked gutter can lead to many problems in a home, including basement flooding. For example, it’s common for gutters to become clogged with leaves, twigs, and debris over the different seasons. 

One way to avoid blocked gutters is to have a regular roof inspection and clean the roof to prevent dirt and debris from building up in the gutters.

If the gutters are blocked for too long, the excess water can leak down to the basement and create pools of water. Again, if you don’t want to do a roof gutter clean yourself, you can also hire a professional for this. 

Plumbing Leaks

Plumbing leaks can also lead to basement flooding if they are left untreated. Some emergency plumbing situations to look out for are as follows:

• Burst pipe and clogged fixtures
• Blocked sewage pipe
• Too much water in sewer systems

Most of the time, you can discover a plumping emergency very quickly as water starts flooding immediately. You’ll be able to tell if the plumbing is from sewer systems if there’s a strong smell and color. 

You should call a professional straightaway if you have a plumbing emergency to get help before it destroys your basement flooring. 

Broken Sump Pump

If you already have a sump pump, basement flooding could result from a broken part or faulty fixture.

You can keep an eye on a sump pump with regular inspections, as professionals will spot any potential issues before they worsen. A sump pump can also be broken if there is an electrical shortage during a storm.

So, if you have extreme weather conditions, it’s a good idea to check the sump pump as an extra security procedure. 

But what do you do if a basement floods?

What to Do if a Basement Floods?

Depending on the severity of the basement flooding, you should call a professional plumber immediately if you see water flowing in your home, as this can lead to permanent structural damage to your property.

You should never touch electrical equipment when it’s flooded with water, as this can lead to electrical shocks and other injuries.

It’s best to turn off the electricity until the problem is over if you’re concerned about electrical appliances.

Before a professional plumber arrives, you can move valuable items away from the water and leave them somewhere dry for a few hours. Then, you should prioritize cleaning after the problem has been fixed.

Cleaning up after a flood is essential to minimize mold and dampness after removing the water. In the future, you can organize more inspections to check up on the state of your basement.

If you spot a flood quickly, the problem can be managed with the right team. 

Plumbers in Detroit You Can Rely On

Finding a plumber you can rely on can feel like finding a needle in a haystack. You have to read through pages of reviews, call for quotes, and meet the staff to see if you get along with them.

So, to help you find a reliable company quickly, we’re here to help you with anything you need.

No one wants to experience basement flooding, but a trustworthy plumber can put your mind at ease and be on call if you ever run into issues.

Call us for your next plumbing job, and we’ll take care of it all for you as soon as possible.