Understanding the Causes of Basement Flooding
Any property with a basement is at risk of flooding, even without history
A flooded basement is a nightmare for property owners. Apart from the inconvenience and financial implications, it can lead to extensive damage. By understanding the causes of flooding, property owners can take proactive measures to avert such incidences.
Here are some common causes of flooding in the basement and tips to prevent the issue:
Flooding in different seasons and weather conditions
Any property with a basement is at risk of flooding, even without history. Most times, flooding arises from heavy rain or melting snow.
However, it can still happen when the weather is dry. Flooding may arise from flow or seepage from various surface water sources through the foundation floor or walls. A sanitary or storm sewer backup can cause flooding as well.
If the sewer level or groundwater level around a property is above the basement floor, that water may move into the basement.
Sanitary sewers are lateral and have a clear path to homes. Under normal conditions, water flows from the property to the sewer. However, there is still a chance of the reverse happening, leading to flooding.
Here are the common issues that increase the risks of flooding:
Laterals and weeping tiles issues
Cracks in the foundation
Poor grading where water flows towards the property instead of away.
Dry weather flooding
As mentioned, flooding in the basement may happen during the dry season. Here are some reasons why:
Failed or blocked sanitary lateral sewer due to degradation over time
Foundation drainage failure occurs when subdivisions are constructed in lower-lying areas that are wetter than others. Drainage may be facilitated by a pump or naturally by gravity. If a pump is installed, it must work continuously to ensure the groundwater level is maintained lower than the basement floor. The pumps may fail due to breakdowns, plugging, or when overwhelmed by water.
Hot water tank issues or water supply line breaks could cause basement flooding.
Basement flooding in the wet season
This is more common as snowmelt or ground flow significantly impacts drainage. This includes the sanitary and storm sewers located underground. The reasons why basements may flood include:
Overland flooding or surface inflow
Foundation drainage failures include seepage, transfer pump, and weeping tile failure.
Sewer backup due to flow restrictions or cases where the sewers are full.
Engage professional services
Flooding in the basements may be due to a failed transfer pump or the lack of one. Call in professional pump repair and installation service providers as needed. If a pump is in place, the experts should maintain it regularly to minimize the chances of failure.
Pump Repair Services provides residential and commercial pump repair services for water well pumps, water feature pumps, transfer pumps, industrial irrigation pumps, and more, as well as custom water filtration services in the Orlando area. (Sorry, no pool pumps or sewer pumps.) We offer 24-hour emergency service. Call us at (407) 625-5499.
