Avoid Basement Flooding with These Residential Plumbing Tips

If your basement floods, it can be devastating. Whether from excessive rain or a burst pipe, any belongings you keep down there can be ruined. In a finished basement, it can also ruin any flooring or carpeting you’ve installed. Take a look at your basement for these signs that it’s prone to flooding, and follow these residential plumbing tips to prevent that from happening.

Top 5 Signs of Potential Basement Flooding

Stains – If you see water stains on the walls or floors, they’re a likely sign that your basement has been flooded before. You may notice darker stains on baseboard trim, or a discoloration in the drywall. If it’s happened once, it’s likely to happen again.

Cracks – Looking at the wall tiles or foundation can reveal hairline cracks that indicate the potential for water to come through. If these cracks grow larger, they can flood your basement. Be sure to look closely in the corners of walls and at the bottom corners of windows for these kinds of cracks.

Smell – When you step into your basement, does it smell damp or musty? If so, it could mean that water is trapped in the foundation walls. When the water gets trapped, it heats up, and its only method of escape is as a musty vapor.

Noise – If your dehumidifier is constantly producing a steady hum, that means it’s working extra hard to remove the moisture from the air. This is a strong indication that there is excess condensation in your basement, likely from water seeping into the walls.

Build-Up – If you notice white, chalky build-up on your basement walls or floors, you already have water present. This crystalline growth is called efflorescence and it’s more common with concrete and masonry walls.

Residential Plumbing Tips

Fix Clogs ASAP – If your residential plumbing is frequently backed up, it can deposit the excess water into your basement. Be sure to attend to all clogs in a timely manner to avoid this.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts – Make sure you have sufficient gutters and downspouts, and that they are collecting the water and pushing it away from your home. Also be sure to keep them free of debris so water doesn’t get trapped.

Manage the Slope – Some homes may have driveways or yards that slope downward, towards the home. This can also allow for water to flow into the basement. Look for pooling water in your yard after it rains and try to level the ground if you notice any issues.

Monitor Water Usage – If you have reason to believe that your basement is prone to flooding, keep an eye on your water usage. Running the dishwasher, clothes washer, and taking a shower all at the same time may overload your pipes and cause the excess water to pool in your basement.

Call the Pros

Hulsey Environmental (a Blue Flow Company) is your top source for residential plumbing experts in North Georgia. If you suspect flooding in your basement, we can help. Whether that’s from the water heater, clogged drains, sewer lines, plumbing leaks, or the septic system, we’ll visit your home to find the source of the excess water and clean or repair it so you never have to worry about basement flooding. Contact us today to schedule a visit.