Blog

Common Causes of Basement Flooding

Since basements are built fully below ground, they’re prone to flooding. A basement flood can happen during the rainy season and the spring thaw, but can also happen at any specific point in the year.

Being aware of the most common causes of basement flooding can help you be more prepared to take preventative measures. There are several causes of basement flooding, the following are the most common.

Basement Sealing

When a building is built, the basement foundation must be sealed properly in order to prevent flooding. If this is not done correctly or if it deteriorates over time, water can begin to seep into the building from the ground. This type of flooding can often happen during extreme rainstorms.

Downspouts

Downspouts are used to direct water away from the building and its foundation. They should be placed at least 1.5 to 2 meters away from the basement walls, usually towards the street. If a building does not have downspouts, water can pool and seep into the building.

Faulty Pipes & Hot Water Tank

A buildings basement contains two sources for flooding: pipes and hot water tanks. If either of these are damaged or breaks, a building can flood. Pipes can fail due to age, poor workmanship or temperatures that cause them to freeze and crack or burst. A buildings hot water tank should be inspected annually for faulty equipment to prevent possible flooding.

The flood restoration experts at Bassi Construction can help you with dealing with each of these flooding causes. We offer 24 hour flood emergency services in case your basement floods. We can take care of the restoration process that could include water extraction, drying and mold remediation. Contact us to learn more about our flood restoration services.