If your basement has become flooded, it is crucial to address it as quickly as possible. Standing water not only causes inconvenience but can also lead to mold growth, mildew growth and more serious structural damage – not only will your space feel unpleasant but can pose health and structural hazards too!
Water in the basement is usually caused by hydrostatic pressure, rising groundwater levels or saturation due to wet weather conditions. Moisture may also enter through leaky plumbing fixtures or window seals.
Cracks in the Walls
Cracked basement walls can be an expensive problem. Moisture can leak in through these cracks and lead to mold growth, while they allow radon gas to enter and pose serious structural risks for homes with basements.
Cracked concrete should always be taken seriously; larger cracks need to be addressed immediately by hiring a professional to provide concrete repair service and seal these cracks in order to keep water out. A professional can offer concrete sealing solutions as a preventive measure against leakage in basements.
Water leaks through walls and floors are typically due to poor soil drainage, leading to hydrostatic pressure pressing against the foundation and creating cracks. Professional assistance should be sought to improve soil drainage by installing a sump pump; additionally it’s wise to regularly clean your gutters and use downspout extenders so water flows far from its source preventing backflow of sewage or groundwater into your house.
Moisture Buildup
Moisture in a basement may form for numerous reasons, including interior leaks, poor ventilation, humidity levels or condensation. The first step in identifying its source of moisture should be finding out where its coming from.
If your basement has an unpleasant musty smell, dark streaks or stains on the walls, and is wet all of the time then moisture issues are likely at work. Any water spots or puddles on the floor could also indicate moisture issues in your space.
Surface rainwater or snowmelt that accumulates around a house without draining away creates hydrostatic pressure that pushes water through cracks in its foundation, creating hydrostatic pressure against it and leading to hydrostatic pressure on groundwater issues, where groundwater percolates through porous soil layers to accumulate around its foundation, eventually leading to wet basement conditions.
Electrical Issues
Basements often house electrical outlets and devices that, should water levels become high enough, pose an electrical hazard. Even minor short circuits could result in electricity flowing through wires touching water, leading to shock or fire hazards.
Poor drainage, groundwater issues and clogged gutters can contribute to surface water accumulation around your foundation that seeps into your basement, necessitating regular maintenance of your home’s drainage system. Regular inspection and upkeep should ensure optimal performance from its drainage system.
If you find a flooded basement, the first step should be turning off any power at the breaker box from a safe distance. Rubber boots and remaining dry are recommended when entering a wet basement, and no touching any electrical devices such as wires or devices should take place inside it. If existing receptacles have outdated GFCI breakers that shut off in 4 milliseconds to prevent electrocution should also be considered for replacement – an easy DIY project for many homeowners.
Mechanical Failures
If your basement floods every time it rains or when heavy snow melts, then there may be an ongoing drainage issue which requires immediate attention. This could be caused by blocked plumbing pipes or surface water that doesn’t drain away quickly enough – particularly during heavy downpours or snowmelt events.
Water seeps through soil backfill and forms hydrostatic pressure within it, exerting it against walls and floors of the basement and exerting what is known as hydrostatic pressure – typically two or three times greater than any lateral pressure exerted by backfill soil.
To reduce this risk, hire a professional to inspect the sanitary sewer lateral of your property and make sure it’s in good condition. In addition, install and maintain a sump pump equipped with battery backup in case of power outages – both will help safeguard against costly damage to your home and reduce risks that might otherwise cause expensive repair costs.