Basement Floods: 4 Common Causes

11/18/2021 (Permalink)

Flooded basement in Billings, MT.

Basement Floods

A basement flood may be on the top-ten list of most homeowner’s nightmares, but while it is worrisome, it may also be preventable with routine maintenance and inspection. Granted, no amount of preventative action will result in a definitive defense, but it can diminish the risks exponentially. If you want to protect your basement, then watch out for these four most common problem areas.

1. Improper Sealant

Water damage does not always have to be caused by a significant issue. Surprisingly, the improper use or inadequate coverage of sealant can allow moisture to seep into your basement causing a consistent water problem. Thankfully, you can get kits and products to seal your basement yourself.

2. Blocked Gutter

Another common cause of a basement flood is a clogged gutter. The consensus is that gutters need to be cleaned a minimum of five times per year. Regular maintenance of gutters and downspouts can ensure that rainwater is directed away from the foundation of your house rather than overflowing the eaves and flooding your basement.

3. Failed Sump Pump

Failed sump pumps can also lead to a flooded basement. Sump pumps, like any other appliance, require routine maintenance to function correctly. Cleaning out filters, checking on suction and inspecting power regularly can help prevent many sump pump malfunctions.

4. Clogged Drain

A clogged drain can be the most common cause of flooding because it disrupts the natural flow of water, forcing the liquid to either backup or exert excess pressure on the pipe, leading to leaks or pipe breaks. If you notice a drain is not functioning normally, you may want to snake the drain yourself or have a professional from the Billings, MT, area check it out for you.

A basement flood may be a nuisance and can be damaging. While many of the most common issues can be resolved quickly without going to significant expense, the problem with flooding in this type of area is that not everyone notices the issue right away. Routine maintenance and even inspection of common problem areas may be necessary to prevent significant costs later.