Winter is over, and while you may be celebrating the warmer temperatures, there are still weather conditions to be aware of. Heavy rainfall and rising water levels can pose a threat to your property if you do not have the right preventative measures in place. One of the major causes of damage to homes is groundwater flooding in your basement. Basement flooding from groundwater can cause extensive damage to your home or building, and seeking immediate help is paramount. Here’s what you should know about groundwater flooding and how you can protect your basement.
What Is Groundwater Flooding?
You may be wondering what causes groundwater flooding. Heavy rainfall and rising water levels can result in basement and surface flooding around your home. During a heavy rainfall, underground aquifers—areas with permeable rock where water can pass through—are overwhelmed and filled, sometimes resulting in flooding. When these underground water tables rise above minimum basement grades, it causes an increase in hydrostatic pressure against the foundation. This forces water through cracks in your basement and the foundation of your home.
Water can also seep into the cove joint, which is the tiny space between the foundation walls and the basement floor. Managing this source of flood water is important when trying to prevent floods and mitigating their impact.
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How Does Groundwater Flooding Cause Basement Flooding?
Aside from the water intrusion mentioned above, there are other reasons why groundwater flooding can cause basement flooding. Basement seepage is one such reason. In this case, groundwater finds its way into cellar doors, improperly sealed windows, or foundational cracks.
If you have a sump pump, the failure of that system can also cause basement flooding. The sump pump works by pumping groundwater out and away from the home. If the sump pump fails, whether because of poor insulation, maintenance, defects, power failure, or clogs, groundwater can overflow through the pump and flood your basement.
Groundwater flooding can also lead to basement flooding if you have overflowing gutters and downspouts that are too close to your home’s foundation. The key point to remember is that if there is too much water surrounding your home’s foundation, the risk of a basement flood significantly increases.
How to Protect Your Basement
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Gutters and Downspouts:
Keep your gutters free of any debris, and make sure your downspouts are positioned away from the foundation of your home. Storm water should be drained at least three feet away, so you should consider running extensions or troughs if you need to.
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Foundation Cracks:
Inspect the exterior foundation, and your basement floors and walls. If you notice any cracks, use epoxy to fill them. If you notice any warning signs, apply masonry sealer indoors. If the cracks are significant, and you are noticing more serious problems, call the professionals as soon as possible.
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Sump Pumps:
If your sump pump is below-grade, make sure it is free of debris. If you have a portable pump, make sure it is in the lowest part of the basement, and always connected to a power source.
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Sewers and Septic Tanks:
If your sewer and septic tank have not been inspected and cleaned, spring is the perfect time to do this. During times of prolonged, heavy rainfall, clogged sewers and poorly maintained septic tanks can cause significant damage.
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Window Well Covers:
Install window well covers that fasten securely to your home’s foundation if you have below-grade basement windows. If you need lights to shine into the basement, use clear acrylic covers. These also work just as well to keep out rain, leaves, and pests.
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Generators:
Your sump pump will only work if you have power. If you live in an area that often has storms and power outages, you should invest in a backup generator. This will be a long-term investment that is worth considering in order to prevent more expensive damage to a basement that has flooded.
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Insurance:
Now that spring is here, you should review your property insurance policy and consider purchasing additional coverage. If your basement is finished, it should be even higher on your priority list to protect your investment. Although most homeowners’ insurance has some type of water damage coverage, you should take the time to review any flood and water damage exclusions that may exist within your policy. Once you have reviewed these exclusions, you will be able to wisely determine if you need to purchase additional coverage for sewage backups, overland flooding or other water damage perils.
Contact Us for Basement Flooding Cleanup in Brampton, ON
Cleaning a flooded basement isn’t fun and can be costly and time-consuming. That is why it’s important to be prepared. Spring is the one of the most common season for basement flooding to occur. Water saturation, ground temperature, and water pressure all come together this time of year to create the right situation for a flood. By staying ahead of the season and considering ways to protect your basement, you can prevent this from happening. It also helps to work with a flooded basement cleanup company.
If you need assistance for basement flooding cleanup in Brampton, or if you want advice for how you can prevent it from happening to your property, Flood Services Canada can help you. Our professionals can provide you with solutions, and we can help you settle with your insurance company. We deploy our quick-response teams across Toronto, Oakville, Ajax, Whitby, Georgina, Barrie, Mississauga, and the Lakeshore to help homeowners in a tough situation. We’re ready to provide 24/7 sewage, water damage, and food cleanup services and will use the best techniques, personnel, and technology to ensure your home or business is clean, safe, and dry as soon as possible. Contact us at (416) 302-2107 to learn more about our groundwater flooding protection and cleanup services, or use our emergency hotline at (416) 999-3930 to get our rapid-response teams deployed to your location.
