Rainfall flooding is a nightmare for homeowners. Rising water levels do not just damage your valuable belongings but also affect your home’s structure, leading to costly repairs. Flooding also leads to issues like mold, humidity, and poor indoor air quality. Coming into contact with contaminated water is also bad for your health. However, there are some expert-recommended ways to address basement flooding and prevent water intrusion in the future.
Why do Basements Flood During Heavy Rain?
Heavy rain over-saturates the soil around your home, causing excess water to find its way through your basement walls, causing water seepage. If your basement is not equipped with proper drainage solutions, it will likely be flooded during heavy rain. A basement without a sump pump is just waiting to be flooded every time it rains. Leaks and cracks in the basement walls and floors are also a common cause of water intrusion during heavy rainfall.
Immediate Steps to Take When Your Basements Floods
If your basement is flooded, don’t panic. Taking immediate action can do wonders for your basement. Appropriate measures to reduce the effects of flooding and stop water from coming in can save your basement from extensive damage and costly repairs. When your basement floods, take the following steps immediately to minimize the risks.
1. Ensure Safety First
Prioritize your safety by eliminating electrical hazards. Turn off the power to the basement from your main electrical panel. If the electrical panel is not accessible, call an electrician right away. Meanwhile, stay away from the water to avoid electrical shock. Once the electricity is turned off, you should still not come into contact with the water directly. Floodwater can contain harmful bacteria, which can lead to skin irritations and other health problems.
2. Document the Damage
If possible, identify the sources of water intrusion and make a list of damaged areas and any valuable belongings affected by water. This documentation will help you keep a record of damage for insurance purposes and provide relevant information to waterproofing professionals.
3. Stop Water from Entering
Identify where the water is coming in and try to stop it to prevent further damage. If the water is coming from burst pipes, turn off your home’s main water supply. If foundation cracks and leaks are the source of the flooding, sandbags might help.
4. Move Valuables Belongings
If you have any valuables stored in the basement, move them out of harm’s way as soon as possible. After moving them, sort the items to ensure affected items do not mix with unaffected items. You may have to completely discard some items, like affected carpets. Whatever you save, don’t forget to disinfect it.
5. Remove Standing Water
Any standing water needs to be removed. If you have a functioning sump pump, this will be done automatically. If you do not have a sump pump, you can rent a wet-dry vacuum. When you are removing water, wear rubber gloves and safety gear to protect your skin from contaminated water.
6. Dry Out the Basement
After removing the standing water, dry out the basement to prevent moisture issues like mold and mildew growth. Make sure the air is circulated and dampness is removed by using fans and dehumidifiers. If it’s not raining outside, you can open the windows for better ventilation.
7. Clean and Disinfect
Once the basement is dry, thoroughly clean and disinfect surfaces to prevent bacterial growth or mold. Use a mixture of water and detergent to clean non-porous surfaces. Some porous materials like carpets and insulation may be damaged beyond repair and should be discarded.
Prevent Future Basement Flooding
It’s also important to equip your basement with proper waterproofing solutions so that it doesn’t flood again.
1. Test Your Sump Pump
If you do not have a sump pump in your basement, get one installed by a reliable waterproofing company. If you do have a sump pump in your basement, test it and make sure it’s working properly. You can do that by pouring some water into your sump pit and seeing if it starts evacuating the water. If your sump pump didn’t work during a flood, it’s not working properly, or, it might be too small to handle the volume of water that entered your home. You might have to schedule a professional sump pump inspection to figure out what’s wrong.
2. Install Window Well Covers
Window well covers collect rainwater to prevent it from seeping into your basement. They also allow light to enter the area and keep out water, debris, and leaves. If your basement windows do not have well covers, consider installing them.
3. Clean Your Gutters and Downspouts
Clogged gutters and downspouts are one reason water pools around your foundation and seeps into your basement. Clean your gutters and downspouts every spring and fall. Extend the downspouts at least three feet away from your home and clear leaves and debris to prevent clogging.
4. Invest in Basement Waterproofing
Basement waterproofing is a reliable solution to guard your basement from all potential sources of moisture intrusion and flooding. It shields your basement from water damage with the help of sealants, drainage systems, and sump pumps. Invest in comprehensive basement waterproofing to prevent basement flooding during heavy rainfall. A reliable basement waterproofing company will inspect your basement and implement personalized solutions that are tailor-made for your basement. These solutions will help guard your basement from water damage when it rains.
Can Water in the Basement Damage the Foundation?
If water is seeping into your basement, it is probably also putting pressure on your foundation. This can lead to widening cracks, bowing walls, soil erosion, and uneven foundation settling. If these structural issues are not repaired quickly, they can lead to complete structural collapse. Besides structural damage, water also leads to mold growth and humidity, which creates health problems and poor indoor air quality. Taking appropriate measures after flooding is necessary to prevent these problems from getting worse. Implementing preventative solutions is an ideal way to make sure your basement stands strong against flooding the next time it rains.
When to Call a Basement Waterproofing Professional?
It’s always a good idea to let the professionals handle repairs and waterproofing, especially in the following scenarios:
- When your basement is flooded and needs appropriate care and attention
- When your basement is waterproofed but drainage systems and sump pumps are not working optimally
- When you are experiencing higher utility bills without any apparent causes (this may mean leaks and gaps in your basement or insulation)
If you want to safeguard your basement against flooding, call KC Waterproofing and Foundation Repair for professional basement waterproofing services. Our experienced team has been helping homeowners protect their basements since 1985. Contact us today to learn more.
