Flooded Basement

What Leads To A Flooded Basement?

Surface water--everything from undiverted rainwater to leaky systems--can cause a flooded basement. (Not to mention other probable causes like overflowing rain gutters and backups in the storm or sewer water systems.)

It may not be as obvious as large sources of water like rain or pipes, but one of the biggest culprits of water seepage is the moisture-filled earth that surrounds your basement. Regardless of the material that was used when building the structure--bricks, concrete, stone--it can be susceptible to seeping water when the ground puts pressure on the walls and forces moisture through tiny cracks and joints.

A flooded basement can also be the result of something more catastrophic and quicker like a burst pipe or a heavy rain storm.

Regardless of the cause, a flooded basement presents serious structural and health risks to you and your family.

What Are The Risks Of A Flooded Basement?

Structural damage as a result of a flooded basement is a major headache for homeowners. Not only do you have to pay to have the water removed, but you then have to deal with costly home repairs. In some instances, you may even have to replace longstanding family heirlooms, clothes, or other appliances. 

A flooded basement also comes with serious health risks. Symptoms of mold are similar to other allergens and include coughing, dry eyes, fatigue, and itchy throat. Mold is a serious threat to those with a mold allergy or who have underlying illnesses like asthma as it can exacerbate those symptoms. 

Standing water may also be attractive to pests and insects like mosquitos. 

Additionally, standing water from a flooded basement is an electrical hazard.