5 Most Common Causes of Basement Flooding

12/8/2020 (Permalink)

Long Island Home with a flooded basement caused by a broken pipe

Basements are usually used as storage spaces or for additional living space. Because of their subterranean nature, the basements are susceptible to a lot of moisture issues, in particular, in the regions where there is lots of seasonal rain and low elevation level. Homes on Long Island, NY, also come in the same category, and thus are more vulnerable to basement flooding. Flooded basements are not only stressful to handle, but they can also result in high restoration costs as they are a major source of property damage and mold growth. For Long Island Homes, especially, it is helpful to be aware of the most common causes of basement flooding in order to take preventive steps and act promptly to minimize the losses. In this article, we will highlight the 5 most common causes.

1. Heavy Rainfall

The topmost cause of basement flooding is heavy rainfall, and prolonged stormy weather. Homes on Long Island are faced with storm rage for extended periods of time. Long Island and similar regions also experience significant rainfall over a shorter span of time.

This water naturally drains downward and likely to flood basements if the home’s drainage system is not set up properly. Oversaturated earth overwhelms basement waterproofing if conditions are favorable, pushing water through foundation cracks, porous concrete and tile grout.

2. Water Leakages

Water leakages arising out of obstructed, leaky or broken pipes, is another major cause of basement flooding. Unfinished basements usually have exposed plumbing, leaving them vulnerable to flooding from pipe freezing and malfunctioning drains and pipes. Older homes on Long Island, tend to have original metal based plumbing that corrodes with time. When temperatures fall below 32 degrees, these unprotected pipes may freeze and burst, leading to a flood. Damaged or clogged sewer lines cause sewage backups and submerge basements with contaminated water.

3. Unprotected basements

Unprotected basements are exposed to greater risk of flooding. You can try some tips to keep rainwater away from your basement. For instance, seal the doors and egress windows properly. Keep downspouts and gutters free of debris. Install downspout extenders, a sump pump and perimeter drain.

4. Leakage from Water Heaters

The water heater often becomes a source of basement flooding. Irrespective of the cause, the leakages from a water heater can lead to huge problems, eventually causing failure of the tank. There is an endless water supply since tanks are made to be filled continuously. This is a huge amount of water flowing through your home if you don’t stop it. Any leakage must be inspected and repaired on immediately.

5. Inappropriate home location

It has been observed that many home on Long Island were built on unsuitable locations. In addition, the overall low elevation of the region is another problem. If the grading of your home is not properly designed, surface drainage can be directed towards your building, causing basement flooding. Reshaping of your yard so that storm or rain water can flow away from home’s foundation can help.

If you want to know more about the best preventive ways to tackle basement flooding or are seeking for highly specialized and professional home emergency restoration services, call one of the best emergency restoration companies on Long Island, SERVPRO of East Meadow / Westbury, right away.