3 Causes of Basement Floods

8/13/2018 (Permalink)

Hardwood floor damaged by water in a Cranston, RI home

The basement in your home in Cranston, RI, may be susceptible to flooding from various sources. Several issues from the foundation of your home all the way up to the gutters on the roof can cause a basement flood. Here are some problems to watch for.

Cracks in Home

Water can seep into your basement through any crack that allows it access. There are several areas that could be vulnerable or have weak spots:

• Shifted or poorly laid foundation
• Improperly sealed walls and floors
• Drafty windows

If water has a way to get in, you are leaving yourself open to the possibility of a flooded basement. Make sure you get foundation repair if you notice cracks and that you re-caulk or re-seal any areas that need it.

Improper Drainage

Your basement flood could also be caused by improper drainage. If your gutters aren't cleaned regularly, they can become clogged and lead to flooding. Downspouts that point toward your house rather than away from it can cause water damage to your foundation and ultimately to your crawl space and basement. These floods are preventable with regular maintenance and care.

Sewer Issues

If the city's sewer backs up near your neighborhood, it's possible that sewer water can come back up through the pipes and into your basement. If this happens, you need to hire water remediation specialists not only to dry the area but also to clean it so that you know the microbes from the contaminated water have been eliminated. To prevent these nasty kinds of floods, it is a good idea to purchase devices that block whatever comes back through the pipes during a backup.

Sometimes a basement flood cannot be foreseen or prevented, but most of the time you can have measures in place to keep it from happening. With proper maintenance and emergency measures to thwart outside problems from becoming inside problems, you can protect your basement.