Basement Flooding Cleanup & Restoration

One of the most common areas for flooding and water damage in your home is the basement. This blog will discuss basement flooding, how it happens, how to prevent it, and what we can do to restore your basement after water damage.

All too often, Davison and Grand Blanc homeowners head down their basement stairs to find pools of water or water-stained basement walls. Because the basement is foundational to your home, water damage can cause significant problems for you as a homeowner. So what causes flooding in your basement?

What Are The Top Causes Of Basement Flooding?

While there are many reasons you might see flooding or water damage in your basement, some of the most common are preventable.

1. Heavy rainfall: Excessive rainfall can overwhelm the capacity of the soil and drainage systems around your home, leading to water seeping into your basement. Poorly functioning or clogged gutters and downspouts can exacerbate the issue.
2. Poor foundation drainage: If your home's foundation lacks proper drainage or if the existing drainage system becomes blocked or damaged, water can accumulate around the foundation and find its way into the basement.
3. Sump pump failure: Sump pumps are installed in basements to remove excess water and prevent flooding. If the sump pump malfunctions, becomes overwhelmed, or experiences a power outage, it can result in basement flooding.
4. Plumbing issues: Burst pipes, leaking water heaters, or faulty plumbing connections can release a significant amount of water into your basement, causing flooding.
5. Sewer backups: When the municipal sewer system becomes overloaded or blocked, sewage can back up into basements. This can occur during heavy rainstorms or due to a blockage in the main sewer line.
6. Poorly sealed basement walls and floors: If the walls or floors of your basement have cracks, gaps, or insufficient waterproofing, water can seep through and flood the space.
7. Natural disasters: Events such as flash floods, hurricanes, or melting snow can result in large-scale flooding that affects basements.
8. Improper landscape grading: If the slope around your home directs water toward the foundation instead of away from it, the excess water can accumulate around the basement walls and potentially flood the area.
9. Malfunctioning appliances: Faulty washing machine hoses, malfunctioning water heaters, or broken dishwasher connections can release large amounts of water into the basement, leading to flooding.
10. Human error: Leaving taps running, forgetting to shut off outdoor water sources, or improper use of plumbing fixtures can cause water damage and basement floods.

Many of these issues can be prevented, however, you can?t plan for everything. Appliances break. Rain falls. But if your walls are sealed properly, you can avoid having severe damage to your basement.

What Do You Do If Your Basement Is Flooded?

There are several steps to take if you discover flooding or water damage in your basement. Of course, you most likely will want to call a professional water damage restoration company to help with the cleanup process. But there are other steps as well:

1. Ensure personal safety: Do not enter a flooded basement if there is standing water that may be in contact with electrical outlets or appliances. If it?s safe to do so, turn off the electricity to the affected area from the main electrical panel.
2. Identify the source: Try to determine the source of the flooding. It could be due to heavy rain, a burst pipe, a faulty sump pump, or other issues. Knowing the cause will help you address the problem more effectively.
3. Stop the water source: If possible, stop the water from entering the basement. For example, if it?s a burst pipe, shut off the water supply to your house. If it?s related to heavy rain, you may need to wait for the rain to subside or take measures to redirect water away from your property.
4. Remove water: Begin removing water from the basement. You can use a wet/dry vacuum, pumps, or call a professional water removal service. Start with the water closest to the drain or sump pump, if you have one.
5. Salvage valuables: If there are any valuable or sentimental items in the basement, try to remove them from the water as soon as possible. Move them to a dry area to prevent further damage.
6. Dry the area: Use fans, dehumidifiers, and open windows if weather permits to dry out the basement. This will help prevent mold and mildew growth. If the flooding is extensive, consider renting professional-grade drying equipment.
7. Assess damage: Once the basement is dry, assess the extent of the damage. Look for structural issues, damage to walls or flooring, and electrical or mechanical damage. Take pictures for insurance purposes.
8. Contact professionals: Depending on the severity of the damage, you may need to contact professionals for repairs. This could include plumbers, electricians, or contractors experienced in water damage restoration.
9. Prevent future flooding: Identify and address the cause of the flooding to prevent future incidents. This could involve repairing pipes, improving drainage around your property, installing a sump pump, or waterproofing your basement.
10. Contact your insurance company: If you have home insurance, contact your insurance provider to report the incident and inquire about coverage for water damage. They can guide you through the claims process.

It is critical to focus on safety before attempting to clean up your flooded basement yourself. Keep an eye out for potential electrical hazards, and keep children and pets away from the basement throughout the process.

Water damage in the basement? Contact the professionals at Aladdin?s Cleaning & Restoration today for 24/7 water damage restoration services in Davison, Grand Blanc, and all of Eastern Michigan.