Your basement is probably the most susceptible area against water damage. According to a study conducted by the insurance industry, almost all homes with a basement experience water damage at some point. And the most common culprit of this is overflowing gutters that are caused by heavy rain.
Unwanted water entering your basement can cause a lot of damage in your home. Water can encourage mold growth, ruin your walls and floors, and damage your belongings. Water damage can be managed and dealt with properly depending on its cause.
Overflowing Gutter
Your roof gutters can get clogged up due to the accumulated leaves, twigs, and other debris. When this happens, water during heavy rains can’t flow properly. Overflowing water can enter the basement through the foundation or cracks on the walls. Routine maintenance on your roofing system is necessary to prevent overflowing gutter problems, especially when there is bad weather or typhoon coming.
Leaking Or Burst Pipes
Broken or bursting water pipes is another common cause of water damage in the basement. Once you have stopped the flooding, make sure to locate the source of the problem and patch it. Better yet, call a professional plumber to fix the problems.
Sewage Backups
Sewage backup can happen when the sewer drain gets clogged preventing the water to pass through. Instead of passing through, water backup can occur. The wastewater can flow to the direction of your home and enter your basement, flooding it. It is important to call an expert plumber to fix and clean the sewage system.
Excessive groundwater
Typically, our homes are designed with a drainage system that will help prevent flooding caused by groundwater. However, there are times, such as during the rainy season, when the groundwater level rises higher than what the drainage system can carry. When this happens, water will overflow and may enter your basement through the cracks in the foundation. Installing a curtain drain can help solve this problem.
What to do During Water Damage in the Basement?
The first thing that you need to do when your basement is flooded is to turn the power off and unplug all electrical appliances. Then salvage whatever belongings that you can — prioritize your important documents, valuable items, and electronics. Then throw out those that can no longer be of use.
Once you have taken everything outside, dry out the area as soon as possible. There are several ways to remove water from your basement; you can dry the place the traditional way by using buckets and towels, or you can opt for a submersible pump or wet-dry vacuum. Completely drying your basement from water can take long even with the use of commercial dehumidifiers. But the faster you remove the water, the better and the lesser possibility of mold growth.
To make water removal from your basement quicker, you can get help from a professional water damage restoration company. They have more experience in dealing with water damage so they can deal with your basement water damage more efficiently. Aside from that, they can work directly with your insurance provider too so it really makes the work a whole lot easier.