3 Reasons Your Basement Is Flooding

3/15/2021 (Permalink)

Basement water damage in Dunlap, PA.

3 Reasons Your Basement Is Flooding

It can be hard to remain calm when your basement in Dunlap, PA, fills with water. When flooding occurs, it is important to act quickly to mitigate any damage caused. You should contact trained water restoration specialists as soon as possible so they can assist you with the proper cleanup methods.
You may be wondering how the water made its way into your basement so that you can prevent future occurrences. Here are three common reasons your basement may have trouble staying dry.

1. Poor Foundation Drainage
The property around your home should be designed to lead water away from your foundation. Without proper drainage, rain and groundwater can easily enter your basement through cracks or holes. Especially during heavy rain or rapid snowmelt, you could see the water begin to rise very quickly. A proper foundation drainage system can help avoid a basement flood and should include:

• Gutters with downspouts and splash blocks
  
• Proper yard grading
  
• Foundation drain tile
  
  

2. Failed Sump Pump
If your basement includes a sump pit with a pump, its job is to draw water from the ground and carry it away from your home. If your system fails, whether due to a power outage or to damage to the pump, you may see a lot of water flooding into your lowest level. If your power is on, many sump pumps include an alarm to alert you when the pump cannot keep up or isn't working.

3. Backed-Up Sewer
When heavy rains hit your area, it can easily lead to the sewer backing up into your home. Once the sewer system is overloaded with water, sewage flows back toward your home instead of away. The overflow will likely end up entering through a floor drain or toilet and can create quite a mess. With a rapid influx of water, you may even end up requiring pipe repair in your home as a result.
Knowing the cause can help you prevent future flooding in your home. Be sure to examine and address any issues with your drainage system and sump pump to help keep your basement dry.