Basement Flooding
If your basement always seems damp or your basement floods when it rains (or your main floor, if you don’t have a basement), it is likely due to one of three main problems: leaky plumbing, leaky windows or a poorly insulated foundation.
Problem 1: Poorly Insulated Foundation
- Why does poor insulation cause basement flooding?
Excessive rain, poor yard drainage or sewer backups can contribute to floods if your foundation isn’t insulated enough. This is definitely the most common cause of basement flooding.
- How can poor insulation be fixed?
In order to repair flood damage and prevent it from happening again, you’ll need to pinpoint the source of the leaks, fix any cracks yourself (or call in a professional) and then install waterproofing foundation insulation to avoid future damage.
Pro tip: If you want more information on basement insulation, check out our blog post on insulating your basement.
Problem 2: Leaky Basement Windows
- Why do leaky basement windows cause basement flooding?
If you have a flooded yard or clogged gutters, water can pool in windows and leak into the basement through and around your windows.
- How can leaky basement windows be fixed?
To help prevent your basement from flooding when it rains, you can caulk your basement window, install window wells (preferably with covers), adjust your window grade, check your gutter spouts or install new windows.
Problem 3: Leaky Plumbing
- What are common sources of leaky plumbing?
You probably have a burst or leaking pipe (keep reading to find out why pipes burst), a leaking waste line, a broken washing machine supply hose or a leaking water tank or water heater.
- How can leaky plumbing be fixed?
There are many ways you can prevent flood damage from leaky pipes. You can try setting back your spigot valves; repairing the water heater lining, either on your own or with the help of a pro; replacing washers and O-rings; replacing dripping shower spouts; and replacing mechanical faucets when they get old and corroded.
Problem 4: Burst Pipes
Why do pipes burst?
A burst pipe can result in home flooding and extensive damage. The major causes of burst pipes are frozen pipes, water pressure issues and corrosion.
Frozen Pipes
- How does the cold cause a pipe to burst?
When water freezes inside a pipe, it expands, increasing the pressure inside. The pressure eventually escapes by bursting out of the pipe and flooding your basement.
- How do you prevent a frozen pipe from bursting?
If you are experiencing prolonged freezing temperatures, try leaving a faucet or two dripping. If the water keeps moving, even a little bit, it’s less likely to freeze in the pipes.
Pro tip: To conserve water, keep a bucket underneath the dripping faucet, and use it to water your plants!
Water Pressure
- How does high water pressure make pipes burst? It’s not just about whether you get a good, strong shower. Your pipes require the proper water pressure to function correctly. If the water pressure increases too quickly or significantly, the pipe might not be able to contain it, causing a rupture and subsequent flooding.
- How do I prevent my pipes bursting from water pressure? If your water pressure is too high, call a plumber. A certified plumber can help you adjust your water pressure to a safer level, and help reinforce any pipes that need it.
Pipe Corrosion
- How does corrosion cause a pipe to fail? After many years, slowly building corrosion in your pipes — often caused by a pH imbalance in your water — can become a problem. If you have both hard water and galvanized-iron water-supply pipes, rust can build up over time, either stopping water flow completely or causing a pipe to burst.
- How do I prevent rust corrosion in my pipes? Inspect the water pipes in your home for damage or recent repairs that can affect water pressure. If you find a damaged pipe, you can patch it for a quick fix but should cut and replace it as soon as possible to prevent the pipe from bursting. To avoid future damage to your pipes, you can get your water tested by certified professionals to figure out if it meets regulations. Government agencies like the EPA can analyze your drinking water, helping you to find the right water treatment for your home.
Now you know why your basement floods when it rains and how best to identify the problem, the cause and the fix!
Natural Disaster Flooding
Hurricanes, mudslides and excessive rain are the natural disasters behind the majority of home flooding and flash floods. Although we generally consider natural disaster flooding to be something that happens to other people, many of us in the United States live in a floodplain or an area next to a body of water. Your local government should be able to provide you with a flood zone map, or you can look up your location here. If you live in a flood zone, it could affect your insurance options and rates as well as your property value.
Flood safety during natural disaster flooding
As tempting as it is to take a shortcut through water, keep away from floodwaters and remember floodsafety.com’s campaign slogan “Turn Around Don't Drown®.” If you come upon a flowing stream of water, turn around and get away. Even a few inches of water can sweep you off your feet or pull away a car.
Pro tip: If you live in a flood zone prone to major storms, you can create a hurricane preparedness checklist, find hurricane safety tips and more from our seasonal preparedness guides.
