Flooded Basement: A Closer Look at Its Primary Causes

flooded floor

A lot of homeowners deal with their basement flooding frequently. However, your basement is not supposed to get the “occasional flood.” Instead of cleaning up the mess, you need to look for the cause of the flooding so you can permanently stop it.

Here are some reasons your basement could be flooding.

Poor Wall and Floor Sealing

There is a good chance that poor wall and floor sealing is the reason your basement is flooding. If basement tiles were not appropriately sealed while the house was being built, then water will seep through the tiles when the weather is harsh. If you notice that your basement gets flooded after heavy downpours and storms, then you ought to check the seals. Depending on the materials used to make your basement, you can use hydraulic cement to seal it.

Poor Drainage

If your drainage system was not installed properly, then it will create leaks. If the downspouts are too near the basement wall, about six feet, or they drain towards the wall, then it can overload the weeping tile. You should face the downspouts drain to your backyard or street. However, make sure it does not face your neighbor’s home. You do not want to get into trouble.

If the drainage has caused severe damage to your basement, you need to find concrete foundation contractors to help you fix your foundation.

Blocked Gutter System

gutterIf your gutter system is clogged, it is ineffective, which means that the water will overflow. So, instead of the water going down the gutters to flow away from your house, it will pool around your foundation. If you leave the water alone, it will surely flood your basement, especially if the basement wall has cracks because the water will seep into the basement.

Make sure you clean your gutters at least twice a year, once in the late fall and one in spring. You could do this yourself, but since it could be tiring, you can hire a professional.

Landscape Slope

You should look at the land or yard around your home to see if it slopes away from your house. If it slopes towards your house, then there is a high chance, it is the case of your basement floods. Look at the ground near the foundation walls to find any depressions.

Fill any depressions that you see with dirt so any water will drain away from your house. But do not use sandy soil because water will soak into the ground. You should use clay-type soil. You can also ask a civil engineer to check out any near big hills that slope towards your house to see what they can do.

Sewer Backups

There is a sewer tie-in line that’s lower than the basement’s floor in a lot of suburban homes. It makes any dirty water from sinks, toilets, and tubs flow away. However, if it is damaged or clogged, the nasty water will flow into your home once the waterline rises above the basement floor. You need to ask a professional to fix the problem immediately.

Are you tired of cleaning up stagnant water in your basement? Remember the information above to spot the cause of your flooded basement, so you know how to fix it.

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