How to Protect Your Basement from Water Damage

When you think of basement flooding, you might point the finger first at severe weather like heavy rains, melting snow, or natural disasters like tornadoes and flooding. However, according to the Insurance Journal, in-home water damage is more often caused by appliance issues, plumbing problems, or other manmade-related situations.  In fact, among the five most common home claims causes, non-weather-related water damage ranked second at 19% while weather-related water damage ranked fourth at 11%.

Regardless of the source, the average cost of a water damage insurance claims is nearly $7,000. Over the span of a U.S. based basement’s lifetime, 98 percent will experience some type of water damage according to Water Damage Defense. You may not be able to stop non-weather-related water damage from occurring in your home indefinitely, but there are preventive measures to take to help safeguard your space and possessions.

Top Causes of Basement Water Damage in Your Home and How to Avoid Them

Here are just a few of the ways non-weather-related water issues that can cause flood damage to your basement.

  • Leaking pipe. Pipes are the main thoroughfare for water to travel throughout your home. When a pipe springs a leak, a valve breaks, or below freezing temps cause a pipe to burst, the result is water leaking in places you can’t always see–behind walls, beneath ceilings, and under cabinets.
  • Broken appliances. Dishwashers, water heaters, refrigerators, and other appliances help to ease daily life, but only when they’re in good working order. Dishwashers can overflow, water heaters can leak from faulty valves, and refrigerators can lead to pooled condensation. These leaking appliances can cause water damage and basement flooding.
  • Hose or sprinkler system leak. Rain and melting snow isn’t the only kind of outside water that can make its way into your home. Broken sprinkler systems, garden hoses, and even the neighbor’s above-ground pool all increase your in-home water damage risk due to a lack of maintenance or just human error.

Create a home checklist to routinely inspect and maintain water sources to stop the water damage before it begins. This is something you can do on your own. For a more thorough approach, hire a plumbing or water mitigation professional to help assess and respond to your home’s weaknesses.

Home Water Damage Prevention Checklist

In addition to tending to the water source, bolster your basement to protect it from future water damage potential.

  1. Notice a water bill increase.

    Not every kind of water damage leads to wading through a pool of basement water. Some can start with a slow trickle from a leaky pipe-fitting. If that pipe is behind a wall, you may not notice the issue until the damage is done. However, by keeping an eye on your water bill and questioning even small unexplained rises in usage can provide a clue that a leak may be in progress.

  2. Seal cracks in foundation wall.

    Water can get into your basement through cracks in your walls or foundation, as well as from damaged window wells. Patch and repair all cracks and fissures no matter how small they may seem. Watch for bowing, crumbling concrete, or chips in your foundation. Do you notice any weeping on the inside of your basement walls or crawlspace? These are signs of a crack.

  3. Use pipe insulation, especially in the garage and basement.

    Condensation on cold pipes can lead to dripping water, which can ruin drywall and flooring. Install an automatic dehumidifier system and have your basement properly insulated.

  4. Learn how to install a sump pump or drain.

    Especially if your home appliances like a washing machine, toilet, and water heater are located in your basement. Have a drain installed and make sure it is kept clear of debris. In addition to, or in place of, a drain, install a sump pump to help send incoming water away from your home.

  5. Install water sensors for home.

    If water does make its way in, you want to know as soon as possible. By installing water sensors, you can be alerted as soon as moisture is detected. Some sensors are even capable of turning off power and closing valves!

Need Residential Water Damage Restoration Services to Help Dry Out Your Basement?

Call 800-874-3473 Roth Companies and Roth Construction Company services water, fire, smoke damage restoration and remediation for Cleveland, Elyria, Akron, Canton, Sandusky, Youngstown, OH, Ohio areas

Roth Companies provides water damage remediation service and emergency water extraction services to prevent further damage. We have banks of dehumidifiers, extractors, air movers and dryers ready for the largest water disasters. With Roth Construction, you can expect a quick turnaround with your water damage restoration services so that your Cleveland, Elyria, and surrounding area home is safe.

 

Posted in Posts, Water Damage Restoration.