Whether you live in a high-risk flood zone or not, basement flooding is always a possibility. The average cost of cleaning up flood damage is between $3,000 and $5,000, but it can be much more depending on the amount and type of water involved.
While you can purchase flood insurance to mitigate the damage repair costs, it’s best to avoid a flood altogether if possible.
In this post, we look at the most common causes of basement flooding, whether you can indeed prevent it, and how to mitigate the expenses should it ever happen.
Common Causes of Basement Flooding
Most homeowners think the most common cause of basement flooding is heavy rainfall, but you might be surprised to know that’s not always the case.
Basements flood for various reasons and can happen anytime, even during dry weather.
Here are the most common reasons for basement floods.
Sub-Par Weatherproofing
If you live in an area that experiences heavy rainfall or large amounts of melting snow, the water accumulates in the groundwater and eventually rises to the basement level. If your foundation has tiny cracks or isn’t adequately sealed, the water begins seeping in, and you can end up with an indoor pool.
It’s common for a foundation to be correctly sealed during construction with a waterproof product; however, if your contractor fails this step or the sealant deteriorates over time, water will find a way in, leading to flooding and mold growth.
Damaged Drainage System
A weeping tile or drain tile is a pipe that collects underground water and runs under the basement floor around your home to move water away, preventing it from getting in. Like all plumbing, this pipe degrades over time, and once it’s compromised, you can get water in the basement.
Clogged Gutters
Maintaining clean gutters is essential to prevent flooding, but many people ignore routine gutter maintenance and end up paying for it with through water damage. When gutters overflow, the water spills straight down and pools around the foundation, leading to flooding and wood rot. Experts recommend cleaning your gutters a few times a year, especially if you have trees surrounding your property, to remove leaves, twigs, and other debris to keep them free-flowing.
Failed Downspouts
The downspouts are just as important as your gutters to carry water away from the home and foundation. However, if the downspouts are broken or were improperly set up, they can cause water to drain towards the basement, causing a flood.
Leaky Plumbing
Plumbing leaks can wreak havoc in your home and are a significant cause of basement floods. Some of the most common plumbing emergencies include:
Burst pipes
Sewer line blockage
Failed water heater
Failed water-based appliance
Blockage in the sewer system
Clogged drains
Supply line leak
Plumbing leaks have the potential to spill hundreds of gallons of water into your home in a short time, and it can be a disaster if they happen when you’re away and aren’t aware of the problem.
Can I Prevent Basement Flooding?
If you have a basement, you naturally want to do everything possible to prevent it from flooding. It’s virtually impossible to stop floods when Mother Nature is in charge, but there are things you can do to prevent most leaks and water damage.
Grade Your Lawn
Survey your lawn and determine if it’s sloped towards or away from the house. If it’s leaning toward your home, you’re at greater risk of flooding because rainwater and runoff have nowhere to go but towards your foundation and into the basement. It may be costly, but repurposing your lawn, so it directs water away from the house, can save you thousands in flood cleanup costs and mold remediation.
Keep Gutters & Downspouts Clean
As mentioned, your gutters and downspouts play a crucial role in keeping your home and basement dry. If you can’t remember to do it, set a reminder on your phone to clean the gutters and downspouts several times a year, and consider installing gutter guards to prevent debris from becoming a problem.
Install A Sump Pump
A sump pump is worth its weight in gold because it keeps water from flooding the basement during heavy rains or other problems. If water flows into the basement, the sump pump kicks on to remove the water and direct it away from the house, so your basement remains dry. However, like all appliances, it’s essential to test your pump regularly and keep it well-maintained, so you can trust it to do its job when it comes.
Patch Foundation Cracks
Because water gets into the basement via cracks in the foundation, it’s a good practice to inspect your foundation for cracks regularly and seal them with a masonry sealer.
Keep Your Plumbing Maintained
If you’re like most homeowners, you never think twice about your home’s plumbing or systems attached to it until there’s an issue. However, calling a plumber for routine drain cleaning and water heater maintenance goes a long way to preventing plumbing disasters that take you by surprise.
Basement Flood Protection With EnduraFlood™
When you’ve done everything you can do to keep your basement dry but still experience a flood, it’s good to have a system in place to make cleaning up easier and less expensive. The EnduraFlood Flood-Proof Basement Wall System is designed to replace the lower portion of your basement drywall — the part that requires replacing after flood damage.
EnduraFlood wall panels are durable and long-lasting. Made from concrete, they’re designed to withstand bumps, scuffs, and other damage, making them ideal for homeowners with young children.
Furthermore, EnduraFlood wall panels are easy to remove and replace, making them a quicker, cost-effective flood cleanup solution than ripping out and replacing wet drywall every time you have a flood.
Lastly, EnduraFlood flood-proof panels make whatever room you install them in look stunning. Our panels are fashioned after traditional wainscoting for a contemporary, distinguished look that adds long-lasting value and protection to your home.
With EnduraFlood, you still have to pump out the water and disinfect the submerged areas, but you won’t have to replace the drywall, which will save you time, money, and a little bit of your sanity after a significant flood event.
Learn more about EnduraFlood by calling us today at (551) 497-5938.