3 Things that will FLOOD your Basement (and how to Avoid it)

11/16/2020 (Permalink)

Article at a glance: 

• 3 things that cause basements to flood

• How you can avoid spending thousands on basement flooding

It’s too often that homeowners are met by murky water when they enter their basement. Water build up and other factors make the lowest point of your home an easy target for flooding. 

3 Things That Cause Basement Flooding: 

1. Insufficient Drainage - Water needs to escape. Otherwise water will build up around your basement walls. If not fixed quickly this water can become heavy enough to break through. Your basement is the lowest part of your home, therefore all excess water is highly likely to flow down to your basement as a result of poor drainage.  
2. Faulty Sump Pump - This pump could mean the difference between catching a flood right as it starts, or spending thousands on restoration work. A sump pump is triggered automatically when water enters your basement. This little guy (or gal) could save your belongings and your pockets. Be sure to routinely check your sump pump because if it isn’t, this season might be very expensive. 
3. Heavy Rains - Unfortunately for most, cracks or bad drainage is found out after the damage has occurred. Heavy rains are the most common cause of basement flooding, and make your insufficient drainage a nightmare when it’s too late. Heavy rains mean excess pooling around the foundation of your home, and make your basement an easy target. 

We have put together some tips to help you avoid basement flooding (and the huge bills that come with it). Follow our simple steps to keeping your home flood free. 

3 Tips To Avoid Basement Flooding: 

1. Clear Gutters - A simple way to keep your basement safe is by regularly checking your gutters for any clogs. Ensuring the gutters are working efficiently means you can avoid any water pooling around the foundations of your home. 
2. Check Your Pumps - Don’t just pay attention to your pump when it starts to rain. Check it throughout the year to ensure it is in working condition. Having a machine that automatically pumps out water will save you thousands by keeping your belongings dry and out of a pool of water. 
3. Always Close The Window - So simple, but so easily forgotten. Too often we see homes that have flooded because of an open basement window. Pooling around the window may result in water flooding into your basement, and catching electrical on its way down. When the rain starts, triple check your windows are closed and not at risk of breaking. 

We hope that this has helped and you have found value. If you have any further questions please call us on 304 428 7378 or click here to contact us.

The Team at SERVPRO of Wood, Ritchie & Pleasants Counties.

Read Further:

Types of Water Damage

How to Check Your Sump Pump (SERVPRO owner’s sump pump almost didn’t work!)

How To Avoid Thousands In Damages From West Virginia Storms