The most common basement flooding causes
All basements are prone to flooding. Water always runs from high to low ground, and this means that under the right circumstances your basement becomes an unwanted swimming pool. But where does the water come from?
One common culprit behind basement flooding is rain.
Properly waterproofed basements and homes should have a tar sealant on both the inside and outside of foundation walls, in addition to what's known as "weeping tile." This tile pulls water away from your home to the local sewer system. If these systems fail because they can't handle the incoming water load, your basement will flood.
The slope of your lawn, also called the "grade," can contribute to your basement flooding. Your lawn should always slope away from your house, directing rainwater toward the sewer system. To make sure your lawn isn't the problem, take a walk around your home when it's raining. If you see water pooling next to your house, you have a problem.
Sewer backups also cause basement flooding.
In communities built on swamp or marshland, a sump pump failure can cause the flooding.
Repair costs after a basement flood
The costs to fix basement floods and their damage vary significantly depending on how much water infiltrated the foundation and how much of your property was damaged. A minor flood with several inches of water could cost $10,000 to repair, whereas a more substantial flood could cost between $25,000 and $50,000 to cleanup. The length of time the water sat also affects the price to repair the flooded basement, because of mold issues.
Dealing with homeowner's insurance after a basement flood
If you have flood insurance, .The insurance company will send out an adjuster to assess the damage, take a list of all the items and call in a professional. Whether you go with insurance or not, chances are you'll want to call an expert. You have several choices here. Basement waterproofing companies can get the water out and deal with any foundation issues, whereas water damage flood restoration specialists will remove the water, deal with any mold and mildew issues and then return your basement to (nearly) its original state.
Bear in mind that, just like with auto insurance, you have the final say over who does work in your home. Insurance adjusters can recommend preferred contractors, they but cannot force you to use a specific company. As always, check the list and call your local water damage restoration services in your area.
