Basement flooding causes

6/25/2021 (Permalink)

If you need water damage restoration in Redding, contact us today. We would love to help! 530-222-0200

Basements are spaces that can be important to have. From workspaces to extra rooms and safety measures, basements are a valuable asset for many people. But what happens when such an important space gets flooded? As it is usually lower in level than the rest of your home, basements can be prone to flooding if not maintained properly. Here are some causes of basement flooding 

Mice chewing on pipes

One of the more interesting ways a basement can flood is by having a pipe break, due to mice chewing on them. As obscure as this seems, it is actually more common than some would think! Mice have a very strong sense of smell and can actually smell the water in your pipes. When they get thirsty, they will do anything they can to drink, including chewing through pipes. Additionally, rat poison actually dehydrates mice causing them to look for water all the more. If this is a recurring issue, use alternate methods to get rid of mice, or try putting small bowls of water by your pipes so they will drink that instead of chewing through your pipes.

Sump pump failure 

With basements being the lowest point in your home it can become notorious for collecting water. Sump pumps are designed to redirect water out of our basement, keeping it dry and usable. When sump pumps fail, it can be a disaster in the making. Some of the reasons for sump pump failure include 

• Failure to maintain
• Sump pumps should be routinely maintained every 3-4 months. This helps to ensure it will continue to work properly, especially when you need it!
• Clogged discharge pipes
• It is natural for debris to gather, especially in spaces we don’t visit often. Debris can gather around your discharge pipes and begin to clog them. Installing a simple grate over your discharge pipe will help to keep the debris from clogging it.
• Switch malfunction
• In your sump pump is a switch that activates as it floats. Debris and items can cause this switch to get stuck causing it not to float and activate as needed. Be sure to regularly check your switch to make sure it is clear and able to float.

Overflowing gutters

Gutters that do not work properly can cause a variety of water damage issues. One of those issues can be a flooded basement. As gutters overflow, they can drain into your walls and make their way down to your basement. A very easy fix for this is to simply keep your gutter clear of leaves and other debris. Regularly check your gutters to keep them clear, and help to prevent water damage to your home.

If you need water damage restoration in Redding, contact us today. We would love to help!

530-222-0200