Flooding is a real possibility in every house, and it is, therefore, important to know what to do when it happens, especially in your basement. Acting quickly will save you from losses that might occur as a result of flooding. Also, moving quickly will help you avoid other serious health problems or allergic reactions that might occur as a result 
of sprouting mold and mildew.
Common Causes Of Basement Flooding
It is important to understand the causes that might lead to flooding in your basement so that you can be prepared in advance and minimize the chances of severe damages. Factors that can lead to your basement flooding include:
Rain
Excessive amounts of rain have the capability of overpowering your basement, even if it is waterproofed in some parts. It is possible that your basement will become saturated. In cases of saturation, the water can trickle through the foundation cracks and find its way down to your basement.
Sewer Backups
Most houses, especially in the suburbs, have a sewer tie-in line under their basement floor which also directs used water from the sinks, tubs and toilet in the sewer system. When the sewer line is damaged or clogged, its waterline can rise above your basement floor causing the water to go back into your house flooding everywhere.
Sump Pump Failure
A sump pumps’ job is to push the excess water out. However, they are prone to failure which leads to flooding in your home and homeowners in swampy areas that require a sump pump, are advised to install a secondary sump pump to act as a backup in case the first one fails.
Tar Sealant
Lack of tar sealant or the ‘weeping tile’ in the foundation walls of your house both on the outside and inside, can cause flooding. The tile directs the water to the local sewer system. When the system fails to handle the incoming water capacity, it causes flooding in your house.
Poorly Structured Slopes
The lawn should be planted in such a way that it slopes away from your home to direct the water to the sewer. When your house has water presence next to it, and it has not rained, then the lawn was poorly placed, and you can hire landscapers to construct it better so the water flows easier.
Burst Pipes Or Leaks
A burst pipe or a leak is an obvious trigger to your basement flooding. Sometimes this is not so obvious and a professional can help determine the real position of the leak or control the situation after a burst pipe.
What To Do When Your House Floods
The first thing you should do immediately after your basement gets flooded is to call a professional if the damage is too big. Floods can be dangerous and can cause electrocution. Therefore, it is not advisable to carry out the cleaning procedure on your own if an expert is easily within your reach.
However, if the water is manageable for you, the following is recommended to fix the basement flooding.
- Safety precautions should be taken when getting the water out by switching off the electric power. You should wear rubber boots and take a bright light with you to the basement. If it is not possible to get to the basement, seek help from the fire department and contact them or lease a heavy-duty gas engine pump.
- You should also remove the meter face from the electrical meter pan and turn off the gas from the metered gas on the outside.
- It also important that you remove all clutter in order to make your work much easier and also use grass barrier to direct the water away.
After you have done all you can to get the water pumped out of your basement, replace all your electric equipment. Seeking help from a profession is the most appropriate thing to do in cases of extensive flooding. Doing so will ensure maximum safety of your house as well as minimize the damage that is likely to occur.
