Imagine the scene. You walk downstairs to your basement one day and find it flooded. This nightmare scenario could be a reality if you’re not careful.
One way this becomes a reality is through the rain. Spring rain is great for your lawns and gardens, but not so amazing when it seeps into your basement.
Spring showers may flood basements. Snow will almost always lead to flooding when it melts.
In case of heavy rain, the cellar is at risk of flooding. But you don’t need a heavy fall to flood your house. Even light rain can enter the house.
So what should you do? Here’s everything you need to know about flooded basements and leaking water.
1. Solve Sanitation Problems
The most unpleasant sanitary problems can result from the change of the seasons.
The most common cause of water damage in the basement is the pressure created by the water in the soil surrounding your foundations.
Persistent rain causes oversaturation of the soil. In turn, this causes water pressure. This allows moisture to peter down into your basement walls and floors.
Temperature changes, ice, and snow can cause additional puddles of water to form in the gutters. This water drips into the outlet and enters the apartment through weak points in the masonry, such as cracks in mortar joints.
If your gutters and downpipes are blocked, rainwater basins form in your foundation. The loose soil in the foundations absorbs the water. The expansion of the floor creates lateral pressure on the foundation, which can cause leaks and foundation damage.
2. Fix Those Cracks
Cracks invite water problems. Wall stains and pools of water on the floor are signs of a leaking basement. If your windows are not installed properly, they could be leaking rainwater into your basement. Get these repaired as soon as possible.
Flooding can cause problems, so it’s important to know what to do if you have basement problems. Often it is the cellar that takes the most damage.
A general understanding of your pipeline, wastewater systems, and sewerage structures. The municipality should be able to inform you about the state of the mains and sewerage of your house.
Protect yourself by wearing eye protection, gloves, and boots. Be careful where and how far you step (e.g.
It is easy to track flooding in other areas of your home if your shoes are dirty due to the water. Make sure that the sewage pollution does not spread to other parts of the house.
3. Clean That Basement
Make sure the affected basement area is clean. Bubbling sewers and sewage can contain dangerous contaminants.
Mix some liquid bleach with some water to disinfect surfaces that may have come into contact with floodwater. Cover exposed areas with skin to keep children and pets out of the flood zone.
Seal basement windows, walls, vents, and exterior openings. Check cellar walls for cracks and weak points. Consult a professional to repair seals. Check your lateral ducts for root penetrations and blockages.
Remember if leaks do appear you can always try hiring this water damage cleanup company to help you.
4. Examine The Foundations
Extend downpipes five to five feet from your home foundation. Keep water out of your foundation by sorting and greening your house.
Take pictures of destroyed items for insurance claims. They do not want to take the chance to leave contaminated or toxic objects lying around.
Eliminate mold growth by removing flooded drywalls within 24 hours of flooding.
Ask a water damage plumber with an access throw to fix or repair water damage. Flushable wipes can clog sewage pipes and pumps and increase the risk of basement flooding, but baby wipes, face wipes, paper towels, and toiletries can bypass congestion and do not break as easily as toilet paper.
Remember that changes to your basement can result in you losing your insurance coverage to be sure to check your policy.
5. Get a Trusted Team Together
It is beneficial to work with a trusted team that can help you develop an emergency preventive action plan. Eliminate the likelihood of basement floods by planning.
Your house pipes depend on you to maintain your piping system and sewerage system. A professional sewer emergency service will inform you about preventive sewerage and drainage measures you can take during the rainy season.
Your sewer should be clogged. A typical sewer has a diameter of 6 to 12 “(i.e.
Cut away unwanted roots and debris with the largest possible cutter. Advanced technology should also be in your pipeline.
6. Take Preventive Measures
Prevent basement floods by installing canal-proof foaming root killers that are now available on the market, such as.
Do not wait for the rain to fall. Review your homeowner policy every year. Contact your insurer in good time. Confirm with your insurer or agent what is and isn’t covered.
The best way to keep rainwater out is to fit indoor drainage. Another proven solution for keeping basements dry is a good waterproofing system that minimizes hydrostatic pressure.
Interior drain tiles run from the foundation to the joint, where the floor meets the wall. This is the area where most of the water escapes. The tiles should be connected to a sump pump.
Your house does not need a waterproof system. You can catch the water as it makes its way into the basement as you prepare for the spring shower to be brought in.
Flooded Basements: Stay On Top Of Them
If you want to stay on top of flooded basements then you need to take preventive measures well in advance. Make sure your windows are sealed properly. Carry out routine maintenance of your foundations.
If you’re unsure about what you need to do then get yourself a trusted team of experts who can oversee your basement to make sure it’s watertight.
If you are interested in learning more about preventing flooded basements then be sure to check out the rest of our site.
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