Many people are aware that living near the shore or on the edge of a body of water may result in issues such as flooded houses. Severe storms, on the other hand, may create flooding in residences worldwide. Even little storms might have a huge effect if one is not cautious.
Basements are one of the most vulnerable areas of your house to flooding. Due to the low frequency with which they are visited, it’s possible for minor concerns to escalate into major ones over time. Contact pomwaterproofing.ca if you want an analysis if your home is flood-proof.
Basement Flooding Causes
While basement flooding is most common during periods of heavy rain, flash flooding, or fast snowmelt in the spring, it may occur during periods of dry weather as well. Consider the following scenarios that might result in flooding in your basement.
Flooding in the Event of Wet Weather
Inflow of surface water: This is the scenario that most people see when they envision their basement flooded. A flash flood occurs when there is heavy rain, resulting in streams of water running down the street and overflowing into window wells.
Excessive groundwater near the foundation: Generally, homes are constructed with a drainage system to prevent excessive groundwater. If the water table rises, the drainage system may become insufficient, enabling water to seep into the foundation via cracks and holes.
Sewage backups may occur when a sewer drain becomes clogged or overwhelmed after heavy rain. If the backup climbs over the level of your basement, wastewater may flow toward your house via the basement’s lowest drain, which may be a floor drain, shower, sink, or toilet.
Prevent Flooding of Sump Pumps
Certain areas have a lot of groundwater, and it’s common to see sump pumps installed in houses – often in the basement. The pumps will operate as long as necessary to remove water from your house. The reasons why individuals use a sump pump vary, and may include living in a region with high yearly rainfall or at a location where gravity may require assistance in properly moving water.
Flooding in Periods of Dry Weather
Sanitary lateral failure: A sanitary lateral is a conduit that links your home’s plumbing to the street’s main sewage system. A sewage backlog may develop if tree roots enter the sanitary lateral or if the objects flushed down the toilet clog the sanitary sewer. This causes the wastewater in your house to back up into the lowest drain in your basement, resulting in a flood.
Failure of the plumbing system: Basements may sometimes flood internally due to a ruptured pipe or rusted water heater. These failures might be caused by frozen pipes or a general lack of plumbing upkeep.
Analyze Your Chances of Having a Flooded Basement
Every person lives in a flood zone; the difference is whether they reside in a low-, moderate-, or high-risk region. After all, in the last five years, floods have happened in all 50 states.
If you reside in a high-risk flood zone and your house has a basement, take extra steps to avoid flooding.
Outside the House, Take a Few Steps
to Repair any cracks or holes in the external walls, flooring, windows, window wells, and foundation.
Assure that downspouts drain rainfall at least six feet away from your home’s external walls.
Clear leaves and other debris from gutters and downspouts that obstruct effective rainfall drainage from the roof.
Evaluate the grade in the area around your property. The slope of the ground should be away from the foundation to allow rainfall to properly drain away.
Plant native plants and bushes around your property to aid in the water absorption process.
Install porous pavement to absorb excess water and snowmelt.
Determine if your property was constructed using a weeping tile system. As your system ages, repair or replace the perforated pipe that surrounds the perimeter of your foundation.
Maintain any small ditches that surround your property and keep them clean of impediments.
Inside the House, Take a Few Steps
Maintain your plumbing and water heater once a year.
Maintain a constant temperature of 60 degrees or above and keep under-sink cabinet doors open to help avoid frozen pipes.
Locate and inspect your sanitary lateral. Every five or ten years, get a specialist to examine the lateral.
Incorporate a sump pump into your basement. Maintain it once a year and ensure that your arrangement allows for the continued operation of the sump pump in the event of a power loss.
Make an effort to keep your plumbing system clear of clogs. This implies that grease should never be poured down the sink or that materials other than tissue paper and human waste should never be flushed down the toilet.
Conclusion
The easiest approach to safeguard your house from major damage is to take preventative measures. You should examine the floor, walls, and outside of your basement on a regular basis, just as you would any other room in your home. By following the advice in this piece, you’ll never miss a problem before your basement floods.
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