Dealing with the aftermath of a flooded basement is no fun. The cleanup, the damaged property, the potential mold growth — it can be overwhelming. 

There are many reasons your basement may flood, along with many ways to prevent it. Let’s talk about some of the main causes of basement flooding, how you can avoid this disaster, and what to do if it happens in your house.  

Causes of Basement Flooding

There are many reasons why your basement may flood.

Heavy rain or melting snow: This can oversaturate the soil around your home, leading to water seepage into your basement, especially if you have an inadequate drainage system.

Poor drainage: Improperly designed or clogged gutters and downspouts can cause water to pool around the foundation, leading to leaks and flooding.

Foundation cracks: Cracks in the foundation walls or floors can allow groundwater to enter the basement, especially under pressure from heavy rain or rising water tables.

Sump pump failure: If your sump pump malfunctions or isn't able to handle the amount of water entering the sump basin, it can lead to flooding.

Sewer backup: A clogged or overwhelmed sewer system can cause sewage to back up into the basement, especially during heavy rain or flooding events.

Hydrostatic pressure: When groundwater builds up around your foundation, the pressure can force water through any weak spots in the basement walls or floor.

Leaking pipes: Broken or leaking pipes inside the house can cause basement flooding, particularly if the pipes are in the walls or ceilings of the basement.

Improper grading: If the ground around your home slopes towards the foundation instead of away from it, water may pool near the foundation and leak into the basement.

Window well leaks: Basement windows that are below ground level can allow water to enter through poorly sealed window wells during heavy rains.

Clogged drain tiles: The drain tiles, or French drains, around your home's foundation can become clogged with debris, preventing water from draining away properly.

Preventing Basement Flooding During Heavy Rain

Installing, and maintaining, a sump pump will help prevent basement flooding. Sump pumps help prevent flooding in your basement by automatically removing water that collects around your foundation, minimizing your risk of water damage. Sump pumps are equipped with sensors or float switches that automatically activate when water levels rise, so you don’t need to manually intervene when water starts accumulating.

Steps to Take When Your Basement is Flooded

When your basement floods, it’s important to act fast! Here are the steps you should take: 

Turn off electricity: Water and electricity don’t mix. If the floodwaters are deep, avoid entering the basement until you've shut off the electricity at the main breaker. If you can’t reach the breaker box safely, call a professional electrician.

Wear protective gear: Wear waterproof boots, gloves, and a mask, especially if the water may contain sewage or chemicals.

Check for visible leaks: Look for broken pipes, cracks in the foundation, or sump pump failure. If possible, stop the flow of water, like turning off the main water valve if a pipe has burst.

Call a professional restoration company: A professional restoration company will be able to remove the water and dry out the area to reduce your risk of mold growth, which can begin within 24 to 48 hours of water damage. A professional restoration company can handle mold removal as well. 

Document the damage and contact your insurance company: Before you start cleaning or removing damaged items, document everything for insurance purposes. Notify your insurance company about the flood and follow their guidelines for filing a claim.

Solutions for a Flooded Basement

Prevention is key. Install or upgrade sump pumps, improve drainage around your home, and seal any cracks in the foundation to prevent future flooding in your basement. 

If you’re dealing with a flooded basement, call DRYmedic for help. We have all the latest technology to pump water out of the basement and restore your space back to normal. Call us 24/7 at 888-462-0080.