Why does my basement flood during heavy rain?

9/13/2022 (Permalink)

This flooded basement was a result of clogged gutters.

Persistent rain causes soil saturation, creating  water pressure. This pressure forces moisture through your basement walls and floor. Loose soil around your foundation absorbs water. Your gutters and downspouts get clogged with rainwater that pools right next to your foundation.

There are some measures you can take today to help waterproof your basement and safeguard it against a catastrophic flooding episode.

• Keep your rain gutters clean, and make sure they’re pointed away from the foundation of your home.
• During the next heavy rain, check around your yard to see where water is pooling and being diverted to. If it’s going toward the foundation of your home, contact an expert to grade your yard so it’s able to properly handle the water it receives during storms.
• If you have a basement window, make sure it’s protected with a window well cover.
• A sump pump can be your basement’s savior. An automatic sump pump set to trigger on when it senses water in your basement space offers a layer of protection for your home, even when you’re not there. Homeowners in particularly flood-prone areas should have a backup sump pump, and check to see if flood insurance is available for purchase.

Be sure to call SERVPRO of Geauga County if the amount of water is more than a foot deep, many items have become wet, or mildew is beginning to take hold. Quickly removing the water and beginning the drying process is essential to lessen the possibility for mold to form, which can greatly increase the damage and cost involved.

If you suffer storm damage, please contact SERVPRO of Geauga County at 440-564-7266 or visit http://www.SERVPROgeaugacounty.com/