Basement Flooding

What to do when a wet basement happens and how to prevent it

Any basement can flood. Waterproofing your basement now can protect from future flooding.

Basement flooding is a nightmare for any homeowner. Aside from making your basement unusable, a basement flood can ruin your personal belongings and create a serious health and safety hazard.

If you have water in your basement, you need answers: what caused the flood and how can you stop it from happening again?

Schedule a free waterproofing consultation and estimate.

What causes a flooded basement?

All basements are at risk of flooding without proper basement waterproofing in place. Below are some of the most common causes of a flooded basement:

Plumbing leaks

This could be a burst or leaking pipe, a leaking waste line, a broken supply hose for your washing machine, or a leaking water tank or water heater.

Leaky basement windows

If your window wells fill with water (from a flooded yard or clogged gutters), don’t be surprised if water leaks into the basement through and around the windows.

Leaky basement foundation

This is by far the most common cause of basement flooding. Excessive amounts of rain, poor yard drainage, and sewer backups are common culprits behind a leaky foundation.

Four simple steps to take when your basement floods

We recommend following these steps to return your home to its pre-flood condition and protect the space against future flooding.

Step 1: Stay safe

Don't risk serious injury if your basement floods. A flooded basement can be a serious health and safety risk. If your basement floods, follow these rules to make sure your family stays safe.

• Avoid venturing down into the basement if possible. In a severe basement flooding situation (water covering the basement floor to a depth of an inch or more), it’s best to stay out of the basement until the water is pumped out. Standing water in the basement can contain harmful bacteria.
• Never touch electrical wiring or fixtures. If you must venture down into a flooded basement, wear waterproof rubber boots. Avoid touching or using electrical devices (except for a battery-powered flashlight) because this puts you at risk of electrical shock or electrocution.
• Have standing water pumped out as soon as possible. Your local Basement Systems dealer can recommend a professional who will pump standing water out of your basement, and possibly help you deal with water-damaged items and materials as well.

Step 2: Determine the cause of your flooded basement

Sometimes the source of unwanted water is obvious –as with a burst water line, for example. In other cases, water may be leaking into your basement in different areas.

Our local Basement Systems waterproofing specialists can explain what causes basement water problems and how a waterproofing system works to keep the basement dry.

After the water has been pumped out of your basement, contact Basement Systems for a free waterproofing consultation and estimate. 

Step 3: Remove water-damaged items

Are there wood-framed walls finished with drywall in your basement? If so, the lower section of these walls is likely to retain moisture and attract mold – even without a major basement flood.

Ask the Basement Systems dealer near you about our innovative EverLast™ half-wall replacement system, which enables you to replace only the moisture-damaged and mold-prone lower wall section with an attractive and waterproof wainscot treatment.

Step 4: Install an effective waterproofing system

Basement Systems' basement waterproofing products, such as our patented interior drainage systems and sump pumps, provide the most effective basement waterproofing system available. Our sump pumps are designed to handle major water volume and we have battery backup systems available to keep your basement dry during a power outage.

Find a basement waterproofing expert near you

Even a single basement flooding experience is one too many. Take steps to protect your home - contact us now to schedule a free waterproofing consultation and estimate.

Looking for a price? Get a no cost, no obligation free estimate.