Basement Flooding 101

A flooded basement is a huge headache for homeowners. A flooded basement not only ruins personal items and makes the area unusable, but potentially creates health hazards. Why do basements flood in the first place?

Here are some common causes of flooding:

1.       Leaky windows. Clogged gutters, a backed-up drain, or heavy downpours can cause water to fill window wells and seep inside the home.

2.       Plumbing failures. A burst or leaky pipe (or a broken washing machine hose!) can cause basement flooding.

3.       A leaky basement foundation. Foundation settlement and irregularities can let water inside the basement.

Basement flooding often comes down to two things: the clay bowl effect and hydrostatic pressure. When a home is being constructed, a hole is dug for the basement and foundation. The hole must be larger than the space the home needs. Once the foundation is built, the area around the home is filled with soil that was excavated during the initial dig. This soil is loose and “fluffy,” unlike the tightly packed earth surrounding it.

The difference in the soils creates what’s called a “clay bowl” around the house. This bowl creates an artificial water table—depositing water right at the home’s foundation.

In the case of hydrostatic pressure, water-logged soil expands and exerts pressure on the home’s foundation. As pressure builds, water seeps inside via cracks and other openings. The most common entry point is the foundation wall-floor joint, where the floor and wall meet.

What kind of problems occur due to basement flooding?

A wet basement leads to a host of nasty issues. Personal belongings are damaged or destroyed, while drywall and other areas can become moldy and mildewed. If the area is finished, the potential for serious damage is enormous.  

How should homeowners respond to a flooded basement?

First, homeowners should ascertain whether the flooding is due to plumbing failure—not all flooding is down to heavy rain. If it’s not rain related, all failed plumbing should be shut off. Next, a disaster restoration company should be contacted. These are the best people to pump water out of a home and mitigate mold.  

Next, contact your insurance company to let them know about the flooding—as long as your homeowner’s insurance policy covers it. Keep in mind that some companies only offer coverage for plumbing failures but not for groundwater.

After notifying your insurance company, contact a reputable and experienced basement waterproofing company—like Master Services! Research several companies and explore their history, customer reviews, and reputation with the Better Business Bureau. Our team offers free inspections performed by experienced and highly trained professionals who understand the latest technology and methods in the waterproofing industry.

What products does Master Services offer?

Our team offers a range of products that address basement flooding. These include our:

1.       CleanSpace wall vapor barrier system. This plastic barrier is an ideal product to protect unfinished basement walls. Composed of a mold-resistant material, it’s durable and comes with a 25-year warranty for wear and tear. The barrier can be installed in as little as a day and will never fall off the wall, chip, or peel. If any water seeps through the wall, it is directed into a drainage system.

2.       SaniDry Sedona dehumidifier system. Our dehumidifiers work 24/7 to keep areas dry and free from moisture. They are a fantastic solution to areas that are prone to humidity, condensation, and mold. The Sedona is a low-maintenance system that drains itself while also helping to filter the air.

3.       TripleSafe sump pump system. Master Services offers several effective and dependable sump pump systems, but our TripleSafe represents the best of the collection. The pump features a cast-iron horsepower sump pump, a battery backup pump, and can pump 11,500 gallons or more on a fully charged battery.

4.       WaterGuard drainage system. While we offer several drainage systems, our WaterGuard is most popular. This system collects water and directs it outside of the home, waterproofs concrete block walls, and is clog-proof.

5.       IceGuard discharge line system.  Every sump pump needs an adequate discharge line that deposits water safely away from a home’s foundation and landscaping. If a discharge line is installed too close, water can erode landscaping or seep back inside the home. Our IceGuard system is designed to release water even if the discharge line is clogged. When not clogged, water flows into the drainpipe.

Our team offers:

·         Innovative products.

·         Efficient installations.

·         Experience.

·         Financing options.

·         A locally owned and operated team.

·         Free inspections.

Contact us today to schedule a free inspection!