Typically, basements are either located completely—if not partially—underground, making the room especially more prone to flooding than other areas in your home. To help protect your property from severe water damage, below are some common causes of flooded basements you should be aware of, as knowledge fosters prevention.  

What Factors Contribute to Basement Flooding?

1. Poor or Damaged Sealant

When a basement is installed, it’s vital that the concrete wall and floors are properly sealed. If not, their close proximity to outdoor soil will cause the materials to soak up any surrounding moisture. Mold or mildew growth or a general sense of dampness throughout your basement are often telltale signs that the sealant has been compromised. Neglecting or dismissing these red flags will encourage fungus growth, which can spread throughout the rest of your home and incite health problems for your family. As soon as you recognize these issues, call a contractor to discuss potential basement waterproofing options to repair damaged parts of the sealant.

2. Obstructed Gutters & Downspouts

The gutter system on the exterior of your house plays a very important role in directing water away from the property. When it gets clogged with leaves and other debris, water can’t flow down and away from your home like it is supposed to. Instead, it will overflow to the ground near the domicile’s foundation. If left unattended, water will damage the foundation, causing spalling and cracks. Furthermore, serious rainfall will enable pooling water to ultimately leak into your basement. 

3. Damaged Plumbing

If pipes run through your basement or your water heater is located in this area of your house, it’s especially important to keep these plumbing utilities well maintained. If either system is severely damaged or fails, you can anticipate cleaning up a flooded basement. Another plumbing issue that can contribute to basement flooding is a faulty sump pump. Sump pump malfunctions can prevent water from effectively exiting your home in the event of an emergency. However, you can avoid dealing with a flooded basement by scheduling annual inspections for each fixture.

Whether you’ve discovered you’re living above a damp basement or just experienced severe flooding, the experts at A Gombos Basement Waterproofing will provide you with quality restoration solutions. Since 1961, this family-owned basement waterproofing business has helped homes and businesses across New Haven County, CT. Call them today at (203) 393-3009 for a free estimate, and visit their website to learn more about their services.