Five Causes of Flooded Basements: Water Damage Restoration Guide

11/1/2021 (Permalink)

Blog Summary: SERVPRO explains the top five reasons that basements flood in West Addison.

Basements and crawl spaces are one of the most common flooding locations in a home. SERVPRO in West Addison, TX, offers storm and water damage restoration for homes and businesses with recent flooding.

Flooding causes more than water damage. Over time, excess water can result in unwanted mold and mildew. Beginning the water damage restoration process as soon as possible is essential to a successful recovery.

SERVPRO understands the value of speedy and effective storm damage restoration. Their efficient commercial cleaning services in West Addison restore any part of a home and prevents further issues such as mold.

Five Causes of Flooded Basements

1. Drainage Failure

Every home uses a drainage tile system to prevent water from coming in. Basement flooding is often the result of poor drainage tile installation or failure.

Severe rainstorms can weaken the integrity of a drainage system and cause basement flooding. If the basement floods immediately after a heavy storm, it is likely due to a damaged drainage tile.

1. Basement Sealing

The home’s basement sealings surround the foundation and prevent water from seeping in. Storms with strong winds and heavy rains, such as hurricanes, can affect the securing capabilities of the basement sealing.

Poor basement sealing allows water to flow into the basement and leads to flooding. A storm damage restoration team can restore the basement and secure the sealing.

1. Clogged Gutters

Gutters run along the top edges of a home to collect and direct water away from the house. Without regular cleaning, outside debris such as leaves and bugs will gather in the gutters and eventually create clogs.

A clogged gutter cannot collect rainwater, which means water runs down the side of the house and into the basement. The best way to prevent this from happening is to clean the gutters regularly. Heaving winds and rain will quickly fill up the gutters, so clearing away any debris right after a storm is essential.

1. Plumbing Problems

Plumbing problems, such as issues with the water heater or pipes, quickly lead to basement flooding. Plumbing pipes are responsible for carrying wastewater out of the house. If there is a crack or break in the pipe, water will seep out into the basement. Pipelines will break due to old age, improper water pressure, or structural failures.

Water heaters and sump pumps hold a significant amount of water and should receive regular maintenance. Although these appliances are especially useful for houses, if either of them breaks, the potential for basement flooding increases.

1. Home Location

Unfortunately, the location of the house can be a factor when it comes to basement flooding. For example, homes on top of a hill are far less likely to flood than houses in a valley.

Another factor is the weather. Homes located in areas with heavy snow or frequent rain storms have an increased chance of flooding, mainly if located near the bottom of a hill.

Water Damage Restoration in West Addison

Whatever the cause may be, contacting a water or fire restoration company as soon as a flood occurs is the best way to minimize damage. SERVPRO understands that time is valuable during storm damage restoration. Their experts are always ready to provide professional commercial cleaning and water damage restoration.

Call SERVPRO at (972) 233-8400 for effective water and fire restoration in West Addison.