Basement Water Damage: What to Do, Causes & Prevention
by Admin
Posted on 06-03-2025 12:02 PM
Reality alert: a sewer backup caused the lower level of a childcare facility to flood. Six inches of water resulted in extensive damage. Toys, books, office furniture, and other classroom supplies were among the items damaged. The business closed for a week while the water was removed and repairs were made. With lost income and employees’ salaries, plus the cost of cleanup and replacement of damaged items, total costs exceeded $100,000. Most businesses and households need extra storage space.
Basements often provide that extra space for items like electronics, toys, and furniture. Unfortunately, this leaves important belongings vulnerable to water damage.
Store off-season and other bulk belongings in waterproof bins, especially in areas where there are plumbing pipes or that are prone to dampness, such as basements and attics. Never store valuables or memorabilia where there is risk of destruction from water. Water and damp also brings with it the threat of mold damage. Keep belongings stored on shelving off the floor in basements. In case of water seepage or sewer backup, they're less likely to get damaged. Keep an up-to-date home inventory. Having a comprehensive list of your possessions will save time, trouble and stress in case of loss from water damage. https://f004.backblazeb2.com/file/lpnxhw/moldtestingwilmingtonnc/index.html
Before You Get Started
Many hardware stores have started to sell all-in-one diy products to fix moist basements. These are roll-on coatings in a paint can that claim to totally waterproof your basement for a fraction of the cost of professional waterproofing. If you trust the product marketing, these coatings sound like magic. If you talk to a pro contractor about these products, he’ll laugh them off as snake-oil, just some grey enamel paint repackaged as a miracle solution. The truth is somewhere in between. Waterproofing paint creates an impermeable barrier on the surface of your concrete walls. If you’ve been experiencing water stains, mold, or efflorescence on your walls, these paints will temporarily hide that.
Tackling basement water issues doesn’t require a ton of fancy equipment. Here’s a handy list to get you started: wet/dry vacuum: perfect for sucking up standing water. Dehumidifier: helps keep the basement air dry. Fans: boosts air circulation. Waterproof caulk: seals cracks and prevents leaks. Hygrometer: measures humidity levels so you can keep them in check.
Water can enter your basement from various sources. Heavy rainfall can cause water to seep through cracks in the foundation. Snow melting near your home can also lead to water getting inside. Burst pipes and plumbing leaks are other common causes of basement water damage. It’s crucial to identify where the water is coming from to effectively prevent it.
Installing, and maintaining, a sump pump will help prevent basement flooding. Sump pumps help prevent flooding in your basement by automatically removing water that collects around your foundation, minimizing your risk of water damage. Sump pumps are equipped with sensors or float switches that automatically activate when water levels rise, so you don’t need to manually intervene when water starts accumulating.