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5 Common Causes of Basement Flooding

A basement wall shows signs of a previous flood.

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 more 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.

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. 

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!

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John and Barbara Vicich

“We wanted to thank you for your personal and specialized attention to the water problem we had in our basement. You took the time to inspect the whole situation and gave us recommendations, all of which worked. You had a way of explaining the process and materials that would be used in a way that we understood. We are very pleased with the work that was done and would highly recommend your company to anyone.”

-John and Barbara Vicich

Debbie, Berwyn

“The day after Hurricane Irene, all of my neighbors basements were filled with water, while mine remained dry! It is wonderful, everything remains dry and the battery backup worked beautifully when my power was out for 2 days. Dry AND quiet, thank you, thank you! Thanks! Debbie, Berwyn”

-Debbie, Berwyn

Doug Smith, Glenside

“All I have to say is that Hurricane Irene was no match for the job that Rightway did for my basement and my father-in-law’s. I had my basement done 5 years ago and we are still bone dry and my father-inlaw’s was done last year and another dry basement… Great job! I highly recommend them for waterproofing and mold remediation.”

-Doug Smith, Glenside

Luke

“I’d highly recommend these guys for your basement. My basement has been dry since they installed a sump pump and French drain in June. They offer a competitive price, they get the job done quickly and they stand by their work. Please mention my name if you proceed down the road with these guys.”

-Luke

Angelo and Sandra Patiri

“We had our basement waterproofed with Rightway Waterproofing in 2007, after all this time and just getting through Hurricane Irene, we did not get a drop of water in our basement. Rightway Waterproofing did a very good job and we are very satisfied!”

-Angelo and Sandra Patiri