Cities Most Commonly Serviced:

Top Reasons for Basement Flooding

Finding water in your basement is a nerve wracking experience. The panic can set in immediately as you try to figure out what happened and begin to worry about what the cleanup cost is going to be. Figuring out where the water is coming from is your top priority when your basement is flooded. Start by looking for the source.

The most common cause of basement flooding is a broken pipe. Look and listen for anywhere where water may be entering your home quickly. If you do not hear or see a rush of water, try to determine if what you are seeing is a mid-flood or post-flood situation. That is to say, is water still entering your basement or has the flooding finished happening? If there is a chance that water is still coming in, turn it off from the source and call an emergency plumber immediately.

When water damage exists elsewhere also, look to that area for the source of the water as well. In some cases, an overflowing toilet or leaking appliance on the floor above can be the root cause, requiring a multi-floor water cleanup effort. After you have isolated the problem, try to contain the water to avoid it from going anywhere else until it can be thoroughly cleaned up.

If it doesn’t look like water is actively coming in, it is possible you have had a sump pump failure that allowed water to accumulate. If your sump pump is not well-maintained (tested regularly and cleaned out occasionally), it can fail when you need it most. Alternatively, if your sump pump is undersized for your needs or if the motor is wearing out due to heavy use, it may still let water enter your basement while running during heavy rain. A plumber can tell you if your sump pump is up to the job or if you need a sump pump replacement.

When there is no obvious cause, foundation cracks or improper yard grading can be the culprit – allowing water to come up through your basement or trickle in through walls. Unfortunately, if one of these is the problem, you are likely looking at the costliest of repairs to get the problem fixed for good.

The least likely, but most disgusting cause, is a sewer line backup. When your sewer backs up sewage can be forced into your home, creating a toxic situation that requires not only a plumber but also a home restoration company, to get it safely cleaned up and avoid harming your family.


Additional resources:
Water Restoration Tips from The Pros
After your Basement Floods What do you Do Next?
Do You Have Home Mold?
Preventing Mold Growth in Your Home
How to File an Insurance Claim for a Flooded Basement
The Cost of Flood Damage Cleanup
Basement Water Restoration Costs Explained
Next Steps after Home Flooding
How Fast does Mold Grow after a Flooded Basement?
What Kind of Damage can Flooding Cause?
Basement Flooding during Heavy Rain
When Your Basement Floods, Do This!
My Basement Flooded and Now I have a Bad Smell
The Best Water Damage Cleanup Products
Does my Home Warranty include Basement Flooding?
Who can Clean Up a Water in a Basement?
Understanding Repeated Basement Flooding
Reasons for a Basement Flood
Water is Coming into My Basement!
What is Home Water Restoration?
Do You Need Water Clean Up Services?
Get Water Pumped Out of a Basement
Cleaning Up after a Flood
Local Water Restoration Companies
The Water Restoration Process as Described by the Pros
Finding Emergency Water Services
My Basement Floods when it Rains Hard
Basement Flood Costs
Who can Help with a Flooded Basement?
Understanding Water Removal and Restoration
Basement Clean Up after a Flood