Understanding Where Basement Flooding Can Come From

12/6/2019 (Permalink)

A basement flood is common and can be devastating.

Most homeowners understand that after a basement flood, they should contact a disaster restoration company in Tulsa, OK, to remedy the situation. However, how many owners consider preventative steps to avoid such disasters from happening in the first place. While no prevention is 100% fail-proof, it pays to understand how most water issues occur in the basement.

Pipe break
Sewage backup
Faulty sump pump
Failed seals

Pipe Break
A significant amount of water damage stems from broken or leaking pipes. Unfortunately, many property owners go on holiday without inspecting their pipes, increasing the risks of minor issues becoming major problems. Therefore, before any planned trip, consider calling a professional plumber to inspect your home's pipes.

Sewage Backup
Another common cause of a basement flood is a sewage backup. This type of flooding can stem from excessive exterior flooding or a clog in the main waste line. Again, an inspection will identify many of these problems before they become significant disasters.

Faulty Sump Pump
Unfortunately, sometimes, a flooded basement occurs even when the homeowners take appropriate preventative steps. For example, you might install a working sump pump only to realize that it has stopped during a massive rainstorm. Therefore, you should periodically perform maintenance checks on the device.

Failed Seals
Last, your basement might need to be resealed. Not all waterproofing methods are made equal, meaning that most seals age and fail. Most likely, you will begin to notice hairline cracks in the concrete with some water seepage. If you see this, then contact a restoration company immediately.

A basement flood is common and can be devastating. Be sure to keep an eye out for water seepage and to inspect plumbing regularly. If you find that any of the above issues have happened in your home, or if you want to make sure that they don’t, then contact a professional to assist you in both assessing and inspecting your home.