When you have a basement flood, it is essential to hire a company that is insured and licensed. It is also important to hire a certified plumber who knows how to remove water from basement walls and other areas. When choosing a company, you want to hire one that has been in business for a long time. Moreover, it should be able to offer 24/7 emergency services. In addition, you should ask for a detailed estimate. Make sure to call several companies before selecting one.
Groundwater
If your basement floods, there are several things you can do to mitigate the damage and get back to basement flood normal. First, you need to fix the source of the water. This means addressing the grading issues surrounding the foundation. You can hire a landscaper to do the work, or do it yourself. Digging out soil along the walls below grade and compacting it to form a slope around the foundation is recommended. Once that’s done, add topsoil, mulch and plants to the slope.
Sanitary sewers
One of the most common causes of a basement flood is a sanitary sewer backup. It can occur for a variety of reasons, from a malfunctioning main sewage line to an individual clogging their basement drain. While there is no single cause, proper preventative maintenance can help minimize the risk of a basement flood.
Poorly waterproofed basements
Floods caused by plumbing leaks and other issues can be a huge problem for homeowners. They can also pose a health hazard. These issues often arise from a break in the water supply line or from a hot-water tank failure. Leaky pipes are most problematic during the winter when the water freezes and expands.
Leaking basement walls
Waterproofing basement walls is an important step for preventing basement floods. While it can be a do-it-yourself project, it may require the services of a foundation contractor. The first step in waterproofing your basement walls is to identify the source of water. Look for wet streaks, cracks or corners, and mortar joints. The water may have come in through pipes or a crack in the foundation.
Electrical wiring compromise
During a basement flood, your electrical wiring might be compromised. This can lead to failures in terminations and insulation, as well as internal component damage. In addition, flooding can result in corrosion and salt water damage to your wiring. Therefore, it’s important to take immediate action to mitigate further damage.
Preventing a basement flood
One of the most effective ways of preventing a basement flood is to install a sump pump. This is a specially designed pump that is placed in a pit dug under the lowest point of your basement or crawlspace. It uses very little electricity when running and is designed to remove excess water from your basement and drain it away from your home. It’s also a good idea to regularly clean the pump to keep dirt and debris out.