Basements are the lowest point of a home, so they’re more prone to flooding problems than other areas. Many sewer and plumbing systems are located in basements, and because water naturally travels down due to gravity, there are a number of ways that a basement can flood. To prevent water damage, learn the five common causes of basement flooding.
Landscape Slopes
You might encounter a flooded basement if your home is positioned in a poor location. For example, the positioning of hills in the landscape can redirect water toward your home. These slopes can cause water from heavy rain and melting snow to flow directly at a home and flood basements.
Additionally, if driveway pavement changes over time, the sloped shape can create similar problems. With this in mind, one aspect of basement waterproofing is reshaping your yard so that water flows away from the residence rather than towards it.
Water From the Roof
One component of basement waterproofing you may not have considered is properly maintaining your roof. If the gutters on your home become clogged from debris, such as leaves or twigs, it can cause any excess water to seep into the soil and the foundation. Cleaning out leaves from blocked gutters can prevent this seepage from occurring, which should be done at least once a year.
Further, it would be best if you kept an eye on the distance and pitch of downspouts. To safely discharge water away from home, downspouts should be roughly ten feet. Otherwise, the water can build up around your home’s foundation and seep into the basement.
Faulty Sealant
Sealants are a vital component of basement waterproofing, as they prevent water from leaking from the walls and floor. However, should waterproofing sealant be installed incorrectly during construction, flooding can happen as a result. Even if a home is adequately sealed, over time, sealants can crack. This means sealants should be checked periodically and resealed accordingly.
Sewer Issues
Backed-up sewers can also be the source of a flooded basement. If a sewer system is overwhelmed by a substantial amount of storm or wastewater, the excess can seep out of basement fixtures, such as a bathroom sink. Alternatively, a sewage backup can occur from a blocked sanitary lateral, which can occur if a tree root penetrates it.
This issue is compounded when sump pumps fail. Sump pumps are designed to handle excess water by diverting it away from the property’s foundation and basement. However, in cases of sump pump failure, the ability to manage additional water from heavy rains or a sewer backup is compromised. When the sump pump is unable to operate correctly—whether due to mechanical failure, power outages, or overwhelming water volumes—the risk of basement flooding increases significantly.
Piping Problems
Several flooded basement problems can occur due to piping issues. For example, a hot water tank or water supply line can break and start leaking. The foundation drainage system can also erode over time, creating a water problem known as weeping tiles.
Additionally, issues such as malfunctioning washing machine supply hoses can suddenly release a significant volume of water, overwhelming the basement’s capacity to manage water flow. This sudden influx can quickly lead to scenarios where basements flood, especially if not equipped with an adequate drainage system.
Furthermore, during heavy rain events, the local storm sewer system can become inundated, leading to an increased risk of backflow into home drainage systems if not properly safeguarded. This can compound existing issues with internal water management systems, particularly if foundational drainage has been compromised or is outdated.
Mitigating the Causes of Basement Flooding
Understanding the common causes of basement floods is the first step in prevention. At Rightway Waterproofing, we specialize in identifying and rectifying these issues to protect your home. Here’s how we can help with common causes of basement flooding:
- Landscape Slopes: At Rightway Waterproofing, our experts assess your property’s landscape and implement necessary changes to the slope. This ensures that rainwater drains away from your home, keeping your basement dry and secure.
- Water from the Roof: Our team at Rightway Waterproofing will inspect and repair your home’s gutter system and can install additional solutions, such as gutter guards, to prevent future blockages. We ensure that water is effectively redirected, minimizing the risk of it seeping down to your basement.
- Faulty Sealant: Our professionals will inspect these sealants and apply high-quality, durable replacements where necessary. Additionally, we can apply a protective waterproof coating to your basement walls and floors to prevent water ingress through any potential cracks or pores.
- Sewer Issues: Our approach includes integrating a robust drain system that prevents sewage from backing up into your basement. This might involve installing a backwater valve or making adjustments to the existing sewer configuration to ensure it can handle sudden influxes of water during heavy storms. Regular maintenance of sump pumps can also prevent such failures, ensuring that they function efficiently even during critical times of heavy downpours or sewer overflow.
- Piping Problems: Using advanced water leak detection systems, our technicians can quickly identify and repair any problematic pipes. Furthermore, we recommend and install comprehensive under-floor drainage systems designed to capture any water entering through the concrete floor slab before it can cause damage or flooding.
Rightway Waterproofing’s Comprehensive Approach
At Rightway Waterproofing, we understand that each home is unique, requiring a tailored approach to effectively waterproof the basement. By conducting thorough inspections and combining multiple strategies, we can develop a comprehensive plan to waterproof your basement. Whether it’s improving external drainage, reinforcing internal waterproofing, or upgrading sewer and piping systems, our goal is to ensure your basement remains dry and your property stays safe.
Contact Us for Basement Waterproofing Services in the Delaware Valley
If you’re searching for Delaware Valley basement waterproofing, reach out to Rightway Waterproofing today! Should your basement ever get flooded, we can assist you with mold remediation and waterproofing. Contact us now and start enjoying your basement again!
