The Top 4 Causes of Basement Water Damage

7/7/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 for emergency water damage services!

Basement water damage can strike any home at any time, without warning.

Your home is probably your most significant investment. So when water damage strikes, it can be a substantial financial blow. Basement water damage is one of the most common and costly types of water damage, and there are several potential causes.

The biggest issue with basement water damage is that it often goes unnoticed for so long that the damage is often severe when a property owner realizes there's a problem. 

The professionals at SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties have put together this blog post to discuss four of the most common causes of basement water damage so that you can prepare before it happens.

What is basement water damage?

Basement water damage is a severe issue that can cause a lot of damage to your home. The most common causes of basement water damage are:

1. Rainwater infiltration
2. Groundwater intrusion
3. Plumbing failures
4. Sewer backups

Rainwater infiltration

One of the most common causes of basement water damage is rainwater infiltration. If your basement is not properly waterproofed, water can seep through the walls and floors and cause extensive damage. You can do several things to help prevent this, such as installing proper gutters and downspouts to divert rainwater away from your home, as well as making sure your basement is properly sealed and waterproofed.

Groundwater intrusion

Another common cause of basement water damage is groundwater intrusion. Groundwater intrusion happens when water from the ground seeps into your basement through cracks in the foundation or walls. You can do several things to help prevent this, such as making sure your basement is properly sealed and waterproofed and installing a sump pump to remove any water that does seep in.

Plumbing failures

Another common cause of basement water damage is plumbing failures. Plumbing failures can happen when pipes leak or burst or appliances like washing machines or water heaters leak. If you have any plumbing in your basement, it's essential to ensure it is in good working order and that there are no leaks.

Sewer backups

The final common cause of basement water damage is sewer backups. Sewer backups can happen when the city sewers overflow or your home's sewer line becomes blocked. A blocked sewer line can cause raw sewage to back up into your basement, categorized as category three water damage to restoration professionals. However, there are several things you can do to help prevent this, such as having your sewer line cleaned regularly and installing a backwater valve.

Preventing basement water damage

Now that you are familiar with the four most common causes of basement water damage, you can take steps to prevent it. Some things you can do to prevent basement water damage are:

• Make sure your basement is properly sealed and waterproofed.
• Ensure gutters and downspouts divert rainwater away from your home.
• Install a sump pump to remove any water that does seep in.
• Clean the sewer line regularly.
• Install a backwater valve.

How SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties help you restore your basement water damage

If you are dealing with basement water damage, the professionals at SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties are here to help. We have the experience and training to quickly and effectively restore your basement to its pre-damaged state. When you choose to contact our team of water restorers, you will receive:

• An assessment and plan to restore the basement water damage
• 24/7 emergency services
• A team of experienced and IICRC-certified technicians
• The use of commercial-grade equipment and techniques

There is no need to combat water damage alone. Instead, contact SERVPRO of Jackson and Madison Counties to work with you every step to make the process as smooth and seamless as possible.