Approximately 14,000 people experience an emergency related to water damage every day in the United States. Finding water in the basement after rain is stressful for homeowners and business owners, especially if you don’t know how to handle it.
In this article, we discuss what to do when you find water leaking into the basement after heavy rain. We also discuss whether waterproofing the basement is a good idea for you. Continue reading if you want to be prepared for the worst.
Problems Caused by Water in the Basement
If you have water in the basement after rain, it’s important to address it as quickly as possible. The longer water sits in your basement or the more frequently it’s exposed to water, the worse the damage can become.
Even if you remove the water and dry the area, damage can still occur. Some of the most common problems include mold or mildew, damaged walls and floors, and ruined appliances.
Mold and Mildew
Water leaking into the basement after heavy rain often means musty smells, especially if it sits for a long time. The water seeps into small crevices or absorbent materials such as wood and takes a long time to dry completely.
When this happens, mold and mildew start growing. This is the source of the musty smell often associated with water damage. It can be detrimental to your health if not removed quickly.
Damaged Walls and Floors
Since water seeps into wood and any other porous build materials, it can cause damage. This happens when the material softens because of the excess water.
With excess water comes warping, rotting, and the potential for breakage. If basement walls leak when it rains, it can lead to dangerous situations and costly repairs. Warped materials are not easily fixed and often need a full replacement.
Ruined Appliances
Many homeowners and business owners either use appliances in their basement or store them there. If you find water leaking into the basement after heavy rain, you then have to worry about more than mold or floor damage.
If you haven’t invested in waterproofing the basement wall or floor, you run the risk of having to replace your appliances. Even if your insurance covers this cost, you’ll experience an increase in your premiums. If it doesn’t cover it, you’ll have to pay out of pocket for replacement appliances.
What to Do About Water in the Basement
Now that you understand the problems associated with water in the basement after rain, let’s discuss how to handle it. When finding your basement full of water, it’s tempting to panic. However, try to stay calm and focus on what you can do.
Put Safety First
Safety is the most important thing when it comes to dealing with water in the basement. There are many risks you need to avoid including slipping on what is likely to be a slippery floor.
Another risk factor to consider with wet floors is the danger associated with wet electrical components. Water is a conductor of electricity, if it’s exposed to an electrical current, this could be deadly. Always make sure it’s safe before proceeding.
Find the Source
There are many potential causes of water in the basement, which is why it’s the cause of the fifth-highest increase in insurance premiums in the United States. Some of the most common causes of water in the basement are listed below.
- Broken pipe
- Poor foundation grading
- Ineffective/lack of gutters
- Foundation damage
- Other drainage problems
While you may not be able to diagnose the problem, you might be able to find the problematic areas. This can help save time when it comes to making repairs later.
Stop the Leak
If you want to get rid of the water in the basement, you have to stop the leak. Even if the rain has passed and you don’t see any active leaks, you should be thinking about preventing the issue from recurring.
Remove the Water
Even if you haven’t found the source of the leak, it’s important to start getting rid of the water. This is especially important if the water level continues to rise.
To remove the water, you’ll need a shop vacuum that is intended for wet and dry vacuuming. If you don’t have a shop vacuum, then you’ll need to hire a professional to take care of the water removal for you.
Call Foundation Repair Services
With the water stopped and drained, you’ll need to call in foundation repair services. Water damage is a serious problem for a building’s structural integrity. The water can wear down these materials and promote destabilization.
Water leaking into the basement after heavy rain doesn’t have to mean structural damage. However, a professional will know which foundation maintenance services are needed and whether major repairs need to be made.
Dispose of Damaged Belongings
You might be able to save some of your belongings if you act quickly. If the items can be dried with a dryer or laid out in the sun, try that before deciding whether to discard them.
However, some belongings are likely to attract mold and should be disposed of before that happens. These items include wood, fabric, and paper. If the amount of water in the basement was minimal, you may not have to discard anything.
Benefits of Waterproofing the Basement
If you or the foundation repair services team you’re working with are concerned about repeating issues with flooding, you should consider waterproofing the basement wall and floor. Some of the benefits of doing so are listed below.
- Prevent flooding
- Reduce energy bill
- Save on water damage insurance claims
- Create a healthier living/working environment
- Avoid costly repairs
Waterproofing the basement of your home or office is a cost-effective option that can help you save on costly repairs and energy bills. It also gives you extra peace of mind that your home or office is taken care of.
Take Care of the Water in the Basement
Having water in the basement after rain is alarming and is often accompanied by costly repairs. However, if you stay calm and act quickly you may be able to avoid the worst of the damage.
Contact LUX Foundation Solutions today to get your free estimate for waterproofing the basement in your home or office.
