Did you know your basement is at a higher risk of flooding and leakage than any other part of your house? Here’s everything you need to know about why basements are prone to flooding and leakage!
Basements, by definition, are the bottom-most part of a house or a building. They are either built partially or completely below ground level which makes them inherently prone to flooding.
Basement flooding is a common problem that can occur both during wet and dry months. Even though no basement is entirely safe from flooding, understanding the reasons behind why your basement is likely to flood or leak, can help you avoid such problems. Here is a list of reasons that make your basement prone to flooding and leakage.
Melting Snow
You might notice that even when it’s freezing outside, the temperature of your basement is still quite high. In fact, basements are typically cozier and warmer as compared to the chilly weather outside. This temperature difference between the inside and outside causes basements to radiate heat outside the basement walls. The radiating heat that enters the ground melts the frozen soil and snow, creating and collecting moisture. When this moisture has no place to escape, it starts leaking in your basement.
Malfunctioning Sump Pumps
A sump pump is a machine that is installed at the lowest part of a basement. Its function is to collect excess water and remove it from the basement. Incorrect size of the sump pump, improper installation, lack of maintenance, and electrical failures can cause the sump pump to malfunction. If the sump pump in your house is not functioning properly, water can collect and possibly flood your basement.
Cracks in Your Basement Floor and Wall
Water typically enters into the basement through cracks present in the basement floor and walls which are quite common. Cracks can either be caused due to lateral pressure from the surrounding soil or shrinkage of cement or concrete. When moisture collects outside between the soil and the walls, pressure build-up forces moisture through these cracks, resulting in a leaking basement.
Leaking Window Wells
The purpose of a basement window is to allow air and light inside the basement. However, when there are heavy rains or drainage issues, water can accumulate within the window well – the area around the basement window. As the water accumulates, pressure rises which results in seepage through the gaps or cracks around the window. With enough pressure, the window seal can ultimately fail, causing your basement to flood.
Clogged Gutters
Your downspouts and gutters can get clogged with debris and can overflow with water in times of heavy rainfall. The excess water will seep through the soil near your home’s foundation, flooding your basement.
If your basement has flooded or is leaking, the best thing to do is to call a professional plumber.
S.T.O.P can help you prevent your basement from getting flooded and can even restore your flooded basement to its pre-damage state.
