The Most Common Causes of Basement Flooding

Since basements are built in the ground, they're prone to flooding by design. From snow melt to heavy rainfall, how do you make sure the water goes anywhere but your basement this Spring and beyond?

As experts with over 40 years of experience in basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and crawl space encapsulation serving the Buffalo and Rochester, NY regions, we understand the importance of taking proactive measures to safeguard your basement against water seepage or flooding. Here are five of the most common causes of basement flooding and how the experts at Frank's Basement Systems can help protect your basement against costly water damage:

Cause #1: A Poor Drainage System

An inadequate drainage system around the foundation of a home can saturate the soil around a home and lead to water accumulation around the perimeter of basement walls. Since water always takes the path of least resistance, any cracks in basement walls or floors are susceptible to water leakage. This can cause water damage to your basement walls, create puddles on your basement floor, or worse, flood your basement, depending on the size of the crack.

Cause #2: Heavy Rainfall

Excessive rainfall, especially through storms, can overwhelm the drainage system of your basement and saturate the soil around your home, increasing the hydrostatic pressure against basement walls. This pressure can force water through any cracks or gaps in the foundation, leading to increased moisture and water seepage, or even structural damage. Additionally, overwhelmed systems may result in water backing up through floor drains, further worsening the risk of basement flooding.

Poor drainage around the property can compound these issues, directing water towards the basement rather than away from it. Heavy rainfall can increase the likelihood of basement flooding, making proactive measures such as basement waterproofing even more necessary to mitigate potential damage.

Cause #3: Cracks in Foundation Walls

Foundation cracks and fractures are a common entry point for water. These cracks can appear vertically, horizontally, or even in the joint where the wall and floor meet. Over time, the natural settling of a house or changes in soil conditions can lead to foundational problems with a home such as bowing or tilting walls, which can cause cracks to appear in the foundation, allowing water to enter the basement.

Cause #4: Faulty Gutters and Downspouts

If gutters and downspouts are clogged or not directing water away from the foundation, it can contribute to basement flooding. Water may pool around the foundation, finding its way into the basement.

Cause #5: Sump Pump Failure

Having a powerful sump pump is a necessity to make sure your basement is always protected. A malfunctioning, overwhelmed, or old sump pump can result in basement flooding, especially in areas that see harsh weather, like heavy rainfall and snow. The sump pump is designed to pump out the excess water from the basement, and any sump pump failure can easily accumulate into a flood, especially during times of harsh weather.

How Frank's Basement Systems Can Help

Basement waterproofing is not a one-size-fits-all job - the cause of a wall crack in one home could be different than the cause of a wall crack in another. Having a team of experts, you can trust with the health and safety of your basement is essential to making a decision to hire a basement waterproofing company.

With over 35,000 customers serviced and 40 years in business, Frank's Basements Systems offers various solutions to combat these root causes of flooding. By addressing these issues with their array of patented products, they offer comprehensive protection, safety, and peace of mind for homeowners, giving them their basements back.

Here are some key services Frank's Basements provides to combat basement flooding:

Interior Drainage Systems

Frank's Basement Systems installs interior drainage systems that collect any water entering the basement and direct it to a sump pump for removal. With their innovative, patented WaterGuard drainage system, homeowners can have peace of mind as it will never clog and looks nearly invisible once installed.

Sump Pump Installation and Repair

Ensuring the sump pump functions properly is essential. Frank's Basement Systems offers sump pump installation with their powerful, patented sump pump systems, and offer repair services to keep the sump pump working effectively. Frank's has expert service technicians that effectively inspect, repair, and even replace old sump pump systems that no longer function.

Foundation Repair

If cracks or structural issues are contributing to basement flooding, Frank's Basement Systems can perform foundation repairs with their patented array of repair products to seal the entry points for water.

Crawl Space Encapsulation

For homes with crawl spaces, Frank's Basement Systems offers encapsulation services to create a moisture barrier, preventing water from entering the home.

Conclusion

With Spring in full swing, precipitation poses challenges for homeowners with basements in Buffalo and Rochester, New York. Maintaining a dry basement is essential for protecting your home and ensuring your family's comfort and safety. By prioritizing professional basement waterproofing, addressing foundation cracks, encapsulating your crawl space, and scheduling regular inspections and maintenance, you can effectively safeguard your basement against flooding and enjoy a dry and secure living space year-round. As experts in basement waterproofing, foundation repair, and crawl space encapsulation, we're here to help you keep your basement dry and your home protected not just this Spring, but ALL the time!