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How to Prevent Flooded Basements in Old Saybrook, CT
7/14/2022 (Permalink)
When your basement experiences flooding or water damage, SERVPRO of Old Saybrook is Here to Help 24/7.
Flood or water damage in your basement is unfortunately fairly common, with 98 percent of basements experiencing some type of water damage throughout their lifetime. That means it’s especially important to understand how water gets into your basement, as well as what steps to take when you find water in your basement.
Below, we will outline why your basement is flooded, how to prevent it from flooding again, and who to contact for flooded basement cleanup in Old Saybrook, CT.
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Why Is Your Basement Flooding?
There are several reasons why your basement may be flooding. The most common causes of flooded basements include:
- Leaking or burst water heater
- Heavy rains
- Excessive snow melt
- Burst pipes
- Sewage backups
- Failed sump pump
1. Water Heaters
With most hot water heaters lasting only about 8-15 years, the older this appliance gets, the more likely it is to cause water damage inside your home or business.
When your water heater leaks or bursts, it can cause up to 40 to 120 gallons of water to flood your home.
2. Heavy Rains
When storms or heavy rains pass through CT, the ground becomes saturated, allowing water to pool around your home’s foundation. Since your basement is the lowest point of your house, gravity allows water to quickly seep through concrete or slip through windows that may have been incorrectly installed.
3. Excessive Snow Melt
When excessive amounts of snow pile up around your home, once warmer weather comes and the snow melts, the water can quickly seep into your basement.
4. Burst Pipes
There are several reasons that a pipe may burst inside your home, such as being damaged or corroded, having high water pressure, or water freezing inside your pipes during the winter.
Regardless of the cause, a burst pipe inside your home can cause extensive water damage.
5. Sewage Backups
Depending on where they take place, sewage backups or overflows may also lead to a flooded or wet basement. There are several causes of a sewage backup, including:
- Broken sewer lines
- Roots growing into sewer pipes
- Flushing items like diapers or sanitary napkins down the toilet
- Heavy rains
6. Sump Pump Failure
If your home has a sump pump, the purpose is for it to pump water away from the foundation of your home to prevent it from seeping up from the floor or through walls. When your pump malfunctions, is unplugged, or clogged, water can quickly enter and flood your basement until the sump pump has been repaired and begins removing water once again.
How To Prevent Flooded Basements in Old Saybrook, CT
Water in your basement can often be easily avoided with regular upkeep, maintenance, and visual inspections.
- Have Your Water Heater Serviced Every Year - Plumbers can help remove the sediment and other debris that can cause your appliance to malfunction and leak over time.
- Waterproof Your Basement - There are many ways to waterproof your basement. However, basement waterproofing can be dangerous, so we recommend seeking assistance from a professional waterproofing company.
- Take Steps to Prevent Burst Pipes - Water discoloration and low water pressure are major indicators of aged or corroded pipes. It’s also especially important to take notice of your water pipes during freezing temperatures.
- Be Cautious of What You Flush Down the Toilet - Sewage backups can often be caused by flushing items down the toilet that shouldn’t be flushed, like diapers or sanitary napkins.
- Service Your Sump Pump - You should test to make sure that your sump pump is working properly, is free of debris, and the backup power source is functioning in case your home loses power.
Need Flooded Basement Cleanup in Old Saybrook, CT?
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When you’re dealing with a flooded basement in Old Saybrook, CT, SERVPRO of Old Saybrook can respond immediately. Our 24/7 rapid response helps prevent damages from spreading, worsening, or causing mold growth inside your home or business.
Our IICRC Certified restoration specialists have all of the training and resources needed to provide expert cleanup and restoration services. With over 15 years of experience in flooded basement cleanup near Old Saybrook and the surrounding areas, we’re ready to make your basement flood “Like it never even happened.”