Wet Basement From Flooding Determine the Cause
March 16, 2010
Most wet basements are caused by surface water which does not drain properly away from the foundation of the house. The source of this water can come from roof water if there is no gutter, or from roof water if the gutters are plugged as well as from excessive watering of nearby gardens and shrubbery. Another common cause is from rainwater runoff coming from nearby yards, walks or driveway-especially if the landscaping forces the water to drain toward the house instead of away. If water is directed toward the home, the water will puddle up and sooner or later, soak into the ground and become a source of a wet basement.
Sometimes damp basements are caused by other things, such as the major flooding that has occurerd in the Boston area. A home that is built on a down slope or on the base of a hill is very vulnerable because surface water has a better chance of soaking into the ground and following the laws of gravity to reach the foundation. The foundation will block this water for a while, but sooner or later, the pressure from the water will cause cracks in basement walls and the water will make its way inside. Rivers that are close by can overflow during a heavy storm-especially in the spring time, which can directly flood a basement as well as contribute to groundwater build-up which can eventually seep into a basement. Some homeowners can live in a new home for years and not experience groundwater seepage due to drought. However, when a particularly heavy rainstorm moves into the area and adjoining rivers and creeks swell and overflow, they may be suddenly faced with a basement full of water. Cleaning up from the water damage is a major challenge for homeowners and business owners alike.
There are drains installed around the outside of a house under the basement floor to get rid of subsurface water and to eliminate the build-up of ground water. If these drains get clogged they will not handle the water. These drains can also be damaged during landscaping projects without the homeowner being aware of it.
If you find that your basement is becoming damp and you cannot determine why, take a look at all of these possible reasons. You may need to call in a contractor who can check everything in order to find where your problem originates from. You should also consider installing new gutters and long downspouts that are directed several yards away from your home. Be sure to be aware of your property lines so that you do not direct your unwanted water onto a neighbor’s land that may cause him problems as well.
