Flooding tips for your basement

12/5/2020 (Permalink)

Sometimes bad weather conditions can cause your basement to flood. If this happens here are some probable causes for the flooding.

• Surface inflow, or overland flooding. During periods of heavy rain or stormy weather, surface water may gather up around the house, or accumulate on hard surfaces such as driveways or roads adjacent to a home. During extreme weather conditions, this water can flow into your home. Being in close proximity to a natural stream or road-side ditch can also present a risk. Proper grading on your property will reduce the risk of surface water getting into your home.

• Foundation drainage issues. Homes usually have some form of a drainage system built around them. This helps promote the movement of water away from the basement and helps keep your foundation from leaking. However if there are cracks in your foundation it can cause major leaking and basement issues such as mold.
• If your basement is equipped with a sump pump it can mean that the foundation drainage system of your home requires some assistance to keep up with the groundwater around it. Sump pumps, when working properly and properly maintained, can safely pump excess water above the foundation and away from your home. Ideally, this water should be routed to the lawn or storm sewer. If the pumps cannot keep up, or fail to operate (perhaps due to a power failure, or malfunction), the groundwater level around the foundation can rise to the point that it fills up and pours out onto the basement floor.

Remember, if a flood happens in your basement, SERVPRO of South Albany County is "Here to Help." Call us today at 518-456-1111!