Why is my basement flooding?
Basements can flood at any time. There are those who know the moment the forecast shows torrential rains heading towards Lafayette, Indiana that they must roll up their sleeves and get ready for battle against the incoming water that never drains properly. We also have the overconfident homeowner who stands firm that their home has never flooded and never will. If you have a basement, you’re at risk. Don’t be fooled.
We know basements can flood during large rainfalls or when snow melts rapidly. Basements can also be at risk in the driest of weather. Storm sewer backups, clogged drain lines, foundation leaks and groundwater can all cause unwanted water to make its way into your basement. Since they occupy the lowest level of the home, basements are below ground level and, by nature, susceptible to flooding. Sometimes, the slope of the land your home is built upon can allow water to accumulate and have nowhere to go but let gravity take over.
Basements can also be the target of water damage if the floors and walls are not properly sealed. Tiles not affixed properly during construction or renovation can allow water to easily find entry in extreme weather. If water is commonly pooling in your lowest level after heavy storms, check the seal and make sure it’s watertight.
When is the last time you cleaned your gutters and eaves troughs? Dirt and debris can collect inside, causing them to overflow with rainwater or melting snow. This can lead to water pooling around your home’s foundation which then makes its unwanted appearance in your basement. The solution is simple. Keep those gutters and troughs clean! If the gables and roof lines are extreme heights, contact a professional service to take care of that for you. Safety first!
A water supply line or hot water tank could also be the culprit. A failure in the line, due to age or extreme temperatures, could cause major flooding damage. A hot water heater on the fritz is not good. Age can play a factor as well as equipment failure. If your water heater has lived a good life or ten years or longer, call us for an inspection.
Even the best sump pump on the market can have a bad day. Do you have a battery backup pump in place? Is there an alarm installed in case water levels rise quickly? This important equipment must be checked by a professional plumber at least once a year. Make sure your sump pump is working and will continue working when you need it most.
If the city sewer your drain lines connect to is backed up, that’s not good. Not good at all. When the sewer is full, there is no where else for waste and water to go except back from whence it came, meaning your home. No one wants the unwelcome surprises that could be waiting when that happens. The sanitary cleanup can be expensive, time consuming and a dirty, smelly job no one wants. Don’t let this become your reality! If your sinks, toilets or bathtubs are gurgling while not in use, call us immediately.
Rather than dealing with the reoccurring issue of basements flooding, many Greater Lafayette, Indiana Area homeowners simply let the problem continue and deal with it several times a year. Others hope it is just an occasional pain and hope it will stop happening one day. That’s no way to treat your home! Calling a plumber to inspect and diagnose your drain lines, and service your plumbing, can save you from more serious, not to mention expensive, consequences later.
