Basement Flooding: Reasons, Detection, Actions and Solutions

Written By Adam Paul - Waterproofing Expert

Basement flooding is water rising in the basement from 1 millimeter to several feet. The major 8 reasons for basement flooding are ice or snow melting, poor drainage systems, heavy rainfall, sump pump failures, issues in the foundation, sewer backups, natural disasters, and surface water runoff into the basement. The color and smell of the basement flooded water depend on the contamination included in the water.

Once the basement is flooded, you should disconnect the electricity to improve safety, then you should control the water source by yourself or call a specialist. You should keep some evidence of basement flooding to claim the insurance, too. Once everything is done, you can clean and repair the basement and waterproof it to prevent future basement flooding.

Basement flooding can cause 6 negative impacts, such as growing mold and mildew, reducing structural stability, increasing health risks, reducing property values, increasing property damages, and increasing pest infestation in the house.

You can remove water from the flooded basement by using a sump pump, manual water removal, and a dehumidifier. You should clean the basement, remove the musty smell after the basement and disinfect a flooded basement by following the proper step-by-step guide.

You can stop the basement flooding by waterproofing the basement, installing a basement drain system, sealing the foundation cracks, improving basement ventilation, designing the basement landscape properly, and increasing the landscape grading out from the basement.

As waterproofing experts, Aqviz highly recommends that you waterproof the basement using a basement waterproofing membrane. And also, you should take the essential actions mentioned above to control water in the basement.

What is Basement Flooding?

Basement flooding is water rising in the basement from 1 millimeter to several feet due to these 8 major reasons, such as ice or snow melting, poor drainage systems, heavy rain, sump pump failures, foundation issues, sewer backups, natural disasters, and surface water runoff into the basement. It can lead to serious problems, including structural damage, mold and mildew growth, and damage to personal belongings stored in the basement.

The basement flooding height can be varied between 1 millimeter and several feet. Its height can depend on the intensity of the flooding and the efficiency of the drainage system.

The flooded basement color can be clear or gray. It depends on the contamination level in the water. Clear gray water indicates plumbing leaks near the basement, while black or brown water indicates flooding due to sewage failure.

The smell of the basement flooding also depends on the contamination included in the water.

What are the 7 Reasons for Basement Flooding?

A basement can flood for reasons such as heavy rainfall or snow melting, sump pump failures, foundation cracks, poor grading of the land, higher groundwater pressure, plumbing failures, faulty gutters, and downspouts. Basements can flood for one or more reasons.

1. Heavy Rainfall or Snow Melting: The water pressure in the soil will increase due to heavy rainfall and snow melting, and cause groundwater accumulation. Therefore, it can increase the water seepage from the basement wall and cause basement flooding. According to the seepage rate, the basement flooding height can rise to the water table level.
2. Sump Pump Failure in the Basement: The sump pump system is able to remove excess water collected in the sump pit, and that will help to prevent basement flooding. When there’s a failure in the sump pump system, it will restrict the system’s ability to remove excess water, resulting in basement flooding. These are the 6 signs of sump pump failures in the basement
3. Foundation Cracks in the Basement: Foundation cracks in the basement provide a path for water to seep into the basement through small spaces in concrete and by expanding soils. During heavy rains, water can get in through the cracks and accumulate in the basement, causing basement flooding.
4. Poor Grading of the Landscape: Poor grading of the landscape around a house can cause basement flooding by directing water toward the foundation instead of moving away. When the slope is toward the house, rainwater can accumulate near the foundation. Also, saturated soil near the foundation can exert hydrostatic pressure on the basement. These things can increase the risk of basement flooding.
5. Higher Groundwater Pressure Near the Basement: A high groundwater pressure near the basement can exert hydrostatic pressure. When the foundation is improperly sealed, hydrostatic pressure can force water through cracks and small spaces in materials like concrete, causing flooding. Also, the soil under the foundation can exert a hydrostatic pressure, forcing water into the basement, and that can cause basement flooding.
6. Plumbing Failures: Plumbing failures, like leaks in fittings or pipes, can release water into the basement gradually. Burst pipes can release a large volume of water at once, but sewer lines or clogged drains can cause wastewater to overflow into the basement. All these issues can cause severe basement flooding.
7. Faulty Gutters and Downspouts: Downspouts and faulty gutters will direct water into the basement without diverting it away from the foundation. Then water will overflow from the gutters and enter the basement, causing basement flooding.

How to Detect Basement Flooding?

Basement flooding can be detected by using a basement flooding alarm and a basement flooding sensor. These two indicators check the water level constantly. If the water height reaches 1/32 inch, the sensor will activate and notify the homeowners.

Using Basement Flooding Alarm: A basement flooding alarm works by detecting water levels through sensors. When the water reaches a height that is preset by the user, the alarm works, giving a signal about flooding to the occupants. The flooding height at which the alarm works can vary depending on the specific model and user settings. But most of the time, when the water accumulates up to 1/32 inch, the alarm will be activated. A basement flooding alarm gives many advantages, such as early detection of flooding, prevention of costly damage, and peace of mind for the users.

Using Basement Flooding Sensor: A basement flooding sensor works by using a moisture-sensing probe. The moisture sensing sensors can detect the changes in the moisture levels caused by to rise of water level as a result of leaks and flooding. When sensors detect a change in the moisture level, they will give a warning to the users through the alarms. Most of the time alarm works when water collects up to 1/32 inch. Basement flooding sensors give advantages such as prevention from expensive repairs, early detection of flooding, and mental freedom for users.

What Should I Do First, During Basement Flooding?

First things first, you should do during the basement flooding is disconnect the electricity before entering the basement area.

Secondly, you should identify the flooding source, whether it is water seepage or water intrusion to the basement. If you can control the water source, you should stop it to prevent further water accumulation in the basement.

Third, if you can’t control the water source, you should call for help, such as professionals like plumbers or a flood restoration service.

Then you should take photos, videos, and necessary footage of the basement flooding to claim insurance.

After having the necessary footage, you should remove the water from the basement. You can use a pumping system to remove water and use a dehumidifier to remove the humidity to dry the area.

What Should I Do When My Basement Floods Due to Rain?

You should do these things when the basement is flooded due to rain

Turn off the electricity
Remove the valuable things from the basement area.
Check the gutters and downspouts for clogs and failures.
Check whether the downspout discharges at least 10 feet away from the basement.
Check the ceiling, walls, and attic space to determine the roof leaks
Then, locate other water entry points like foundation walls, basement windows, floor cracks, etc.
Check for the sump pump failure

How to Remove Water in the Flooded Basement?

You can remove water in the flooded basement by following 3 ways such as

Remove the flooded water using a sump pump
Remove flooded water using a manual water removal
Remove the flooded water using a dehumidifier

1. Remove Basement Flooded Water Using a Sump Pump

A sump pump can collect excess water and pump it away from the foundation, minimizing basement flooding. Sump pumps are automated and will automatically work when the water level decreases.

The sump pump has a backup power system, drainage system integration, alarm systems, and wifi connectivity. Sump pumps can be connected to existing drainage systems and remove water from the basement effectively. Backup power sources like batteries and generators will maintain the sump pump function even in a power outage.

Alarms and alerts will give a signal to homeowners about basement flooding. When the sump pump is connected to Wi-Fi, homeowners will have access to control the sump pump system remotely. The water removal rate using a sump pump is several gallons per minute.

2. Remove Basement-Flooded Water Using a Manual Water-removing

The efficiency of removing basement-flooded water manually depends on factors like the amount of water, available tools, and your physical ability. The use of a bucket or wet/dry vacuum can be effective for smaller floods, but for larger ones use of a bucket will be slow and labor-intensive.

When manually removing flooded water, users can take immediate action to prevent basement flooding. Also, manual methods are cost-effective, and users have control of the process. The time taken to remove water depends on the equipment used to remove water, the size of the flooded area, the flooding height, and the individual’s physical fitness. To clear a small flood, it will take a few hours, while in severe flooding, it will require a complete day.

3. Remove Basement Flooded Water Moisture Using a Dehumidifier

Dehumidifiers are energy-efficient devices that can make the air dry by taking out the wetness. When we remove flooded water using a dehumidifier, it will prevent mold and mildew from growing, making the air in the basement clean and fresh enough to breathe, preventing furniture and clothes from getting damp, and saving energy. A high-capacity dehumidifier will remove moisture in a few hours, but to dry off the flooded area, it will take several days.

To prevent water from seeping into the basement through cracks in the foundation walls, we can seal the foundation cracks. Sealed cracks will keep the space clean and dry and reduce the infiltration of water into the basement. These sealings will prevent belongings from being damaged and minimize the risk of basement flooding.

How to Clean a Flooded Basement?

These are the 9 steps to clean a flooded basement.

Turn off the electricity to the basement.
Remove standing water using a pump or vacuum.
Dispose of damaged items that cannot be removed.
Use a disinfectant cleaner to scrub floors, surfaces, and walls.
Use clean water to rinse surfaces and let them dry.
Dry out the basement using fans and dehumidifiers.
Inspect for mold growth and remove mold using mold removers.
Completely air out the basement and place the electrical equipment.
Take waterproofing measures to prevent future flooding.

What are the Negative Impacts of Basement Flooding?

Basement flooding affects the basement negatively. Flooded basements tend to grow mold and mildew, reduce structural stability, increase health risks, reduce property values, increase property damages, and increase pest infestations in the house. In order to prevent these negative impacts basement should be water-tight properly.

1. Mold and Mildew Growth in the Basement: Mold and mildew can grow in the basement when it is flooded for a long period. Mold and mildew emit harmful gases. Hence, homeowners feel a bad, earthy, and musty smell in the basement area.
2. Reduce the Structural Stability: Basement flooding can reduce the stability of structures through wood rotting, damage to the foundation, deterioration of concrete, and pressure on walls. Unstable structures will cause expensive renovations, health problems, and the growth of mold and mildew. Then users will face inconveniences during cleanups and additional costs for repairs.
3. Increase the Health Hazards: Basement flooding can cause health problems such as allergic reactions and respiratory problems, the transmission of diseases, and attract pests. These health issues make the basement unsafe and stressful for the users. Also, these hazards will limit the time that the basement can be used, making users uncomfortable.
4. Reduce the Property Value: The reduction of property value can cause unnecessary financial stress for users due to costly repairs. Also, users will not be able to sell or refinance the home in the future. Furthermore, a reduction in property value due to basement flooding will make users frustrated and dissatisfied.
5. Increase the Property Damages: Increased property damages will require expensive repairs. This can cause financial strain and uncertainty for homeowners. In severe property damage, those properties should be relocated, and occupants will have to adjust their routines until the repair is done.
6. Pest Infestation: A pest infestation can cause health risks by causing allergic reactions and transmitting diseases such as Hantavirus and Salmonella. This will be a threat to occupants’ health and safety while they are using it. The presence of pests can damage property and belongings, causing additional expenses, creating an unpleasant environment, and destroying the peaceful environment.

How to Minimize the Impact of Basement Flooding?

To minimize the basement flooding impact, you should follow the below 9 actions asap.

Add bleach to the flooded water. Bleach will reduce the mold and mildew growth after the flooding.
Do not store important things in the basement.
Inspect the basement at least twice a year
Maintain and repair the basement regularly
Check for the gutters and downspout clogs, damage, and leaks.
Address the basement cracks as soon as they form
Check the French drain at least 2 times per year
Use a battery backup sump pump system
Check the sump pump at least twice a year

How to Stop Basement Flooding?

To stop basement flooding, you should waterproof the basement, install a basement drain system, seal the foundation cracks, install window well covers, improve basement ventilation, properly design the landscape, and increase the landscape grading.

Waterproof the Basement: Basement waterproofing is mainly of two types. This can water-tighten the basement with positive and negative sides. This can prevent water seepage and leakage through the basement cracks, holes, joints, and seams by any chance. Hence, basement waterproofing is a successful solution for stopping basement flooding.
Install the Basement Drain System ( French Drain System): The French drain system is capable of directing water away from the foundation of the house. It consists of a perforated pipe, which can collect and divert water around the foundation. This technique will prevent seeping water into the basement, minimizing basement flooding.
Install Window Well Covers: The main purpose of using window well covers is to keep excess water out of window wells. Window well covers prevent the accumulation of rainwater, debris, and snowmelt and seepage of water into the basement through windows. The risk of basement flooding can be minimized by keeping window wells dry and clean.
Improve Basement Ventilation: Improving basement ventilation will reduce moisture buildup in the basement. Better airflow can prevent condensation and help with moisture accumulation and flooding. Also, proper ventilation can dry out the moisture that enters the basement, and it will reduce the risk of flooding and water damage.
Properly Designed Landscape: A properly designed landscape has a proper drainage system that is away from the foundation. A landscape should be properly designed by installing a French drainage system, grading the land away from the house, and planting vegetation that can act as water absorbents. These actions will redirect rainwater and prevent basement flooding.
Improve the Landscape Grading: An improved landscape grading has a drainage system that directs water away from the house. When the slope is away from the house, melting snow and rainwater will flow away from the house. To improve landscape grading, we can adjust the soil level, install drainage features, and plant vegetation according to a proper plan.

Can basement Waterproofing Stop basement Flooding?

Yes, basement waterproofing can stop the basement from flooding. Basement waterproofing is sealing all cracks, joints, holes, and seams to prevent leaks and seepage from the basement floor and walls.

Which Sump Pump is Best for Basement Flooding?

A submersible sump pump is the best sump pump for basement waterproofing. Submersible sump pumps are easy to install, not noisy, and more efficient. For domestic purposes, you should choose 1/3 HP 2500-3000 GPH submersible pump is the best solution. You can select a suitable submersible sump pump from these 7 best sump pumps for the basements.

To Whom Should I Inform About the Basement Flooding?

When your basement is flooded first, you should call the electrician to disconnect the power supply to the basement if you can’t do it yourself. Then you should call the plumber to fix the plumbing problems. Then you should call the insurance company to claim the damages. Then you should call the water damage restoration company to remove the water in the basement.

After the water is removed, you should call the waterproofing company for consultation and to stop further water damage. Aqviz provides a free consultation and waterproofing service. Our experts will guide you to eliminate this problem.

How to Remove a Musty Smell From a Flooded Basement?

You can remove the musty smell from the flooded basement by following the 8 steps below.

Identify the Source
Remove Standing Water
Dry Out the Basement
Clean Surfaces
Treat Mold and Mildew
Air Out the Basement
Use Odor Absorbers

To prevent further issues, you should take steps to prevent future flooding and moisture problems in the basement. To prevent future issues, you can seal the cracks, install a sump pump system, and improve the drainage system.

How to Disinfect a Flooded Basement?

These are the 9 steps to disinfect a flooded basement

Use goggles, masks, and gloves as safety measures.
Use a pump or vacuum to remove any standing water in the basement.
Scrub floors, walls, and surfaces using a disinfectant cleaner.
Consider areas that were submerged in water with special attention.
Rinse surfaces with clean water and let them air dry.
Use dehumidifiers and fans to dry out the basement.
Dispose of items that are unable to be cleaned or disinfected.
Inspect for mold growth and remove it using mold removers.
Apply a mold inhibitor to prevent future mold growth.

Does Home Insurance Cover Basement Flooding?

Standard home insurance does not cover basement flooding caused by disasters like heavy rain or groundwater. But it may cover basement flooding from burst pipes, sewer backups, and appliance failures due to washing machines or water heaters.