When your basement floods

10/10/2018 (Permalink)

Storms and flooding in Cleveland can lead to water buildup in the basement. As a homeowner, it’s important to understand what to do in these situations, how water gets down there in the first place, and ways to help prevent lasting damage.

How Water Gets Into the Basement

The first reaction for many when looking at a basement flood is to wonder how the water got there in the first place. There are several factors that may come into play.

• An improperly functioning sump pump
• Poor drainage around basement walls
• Cracks or holes in the walls water can leak through
• Issues with basement plumbing, such as a water heater
• Heavy storm rains

Water buildup in the basement can cause further problems for your home. As water tends to flow in the least resistant path, it will find holes and cracks to flow through and continue to puddle at the lowest point unless otherwise prevented.

How To Take Care of Water in the Basement

If you find flooding in your basement, it’s best to contact a professional as soon as possible. He can assist with pipe repair, if needed, take care of the water removal, and assess your basement for the source of the problem. Many services also offer help with the drying and sanitation of the affected areas, as well as repair and mold remediation. 

How To Prevent Floods

In some cases, there may be ways you can help prevent damage from a basement flood. These can include installing a sump pump if you do not currently have one, regularly checking to make sure plumbing is intact, and sloping your yard and landscaping away from your home. A professional may have further ideas on ways to help prevent water damage.

Understanding the how and why of basement flooding can help you contact the team you need for repairs and restoration. Knowing these things can also help you take the steps necessary to help protect your home.

When disaster strikes call SERVPRO of Gateway 24/7 and we’ll be there. 216-575-1985