Everything You Need to Know About Basement Water Damage
By 911 Water Damage Experts
Many people find themselves with extensive water-damaged basements that see the need for water damage restoration companies to step in. Often, the problem has been allowed to get so severe because the basement isn’t always a room in your home you visit a lot.
But as frequently or infrequently as you venture into it, it’s helpful to know what happens when it does become water damaged. From appliance leaks to backed-up sump pumps, there’s so much you need to know.
In this article you will learn:
– How to know your basement has water damage
– What causes basement water damage
– Steps to remove water damage in your basement
– How to fix basement water damage
– How much basement water damage repair cost
How To Know Your Basement Has Water Damage
It’s easy enough to tell that your basement has water damage when you’re wading through an inch or more of standing water.
However, sometimes, the signs are not that obvious. The water might be leaking slowly over time, or you may have a problematic appliance that only leaks in there occasionally.
Whatever the cause, here are some of the most common signs of basement water damage:
-Rotted or crumbling plaster, drywall, and wood
-Mold growth
-Stains on furnishings and porous materials
-Floor and wall cracks
-Flakes of cement spalling
-Yellow or brown discoloration on surfaces
-Efflorescence deposits on walls
-Unpleasant odors
-Visible water at wall and floor connections
If you haven’t noticed any of these signs, then that’s good news. Although, it can be worth visiting your basement at least once a month to look out for them.
What Causes Water Damage in Basements?
If you have noticed any of these water damage signs above, or there’s a great deal of standing water to signal water damage, you may be wondering what’s causing it.
Unfortunately, there is no single reason why basements flood. Instead, there are several possible causes.
Cracked Basement Walls
If you notice cracked walls, you can use hydraulic cement to patch or seal them. If the cracks are significant, it may be worth bringing in an expert to check structural integrity.
A Faulty Sump Pump
Sump pumps are designed to remove water that has accumulated in a water-collecting sump basin. They are most often found in basements. A faulty sump pump, or one that’s too large or small for the job at hand, may malfunction and cause basement water damage.
Leaky Hoses On Appliances
Many people store washers and dryers in their basements. Sometimes, the hoses to these appliances and others can leak. You may see the need to call in a service person, or you can fix identified hose problems with plumbers’ tape.
Window Leaks
If your windows are not sealed tight, they may leak and cause water to pool in your basement. You can use a silicone latex-based caulk to reseal them and solve the problem.
Poor Exterior Drainage
If your home’s exterior drainage cannot keep up with the water, grade the yard to drain that water away from the foundation.
Sewage Backup
A sewage backup is a serious problem and one that can see the need for a qualified sewage backup cleaner contractor ASAP.
Wall-Floor Leaks
If you notice pooling where the wall and floor join, consult a foundation specialist. You may require repairs to stop water damage from happening in the future.
Broken Pipes In The Basement
Broken basement pipes can cause a significant amount of damage. If you have identified this as the cause of your water damage, set about repairing the pipes. You may require a plumber for this task.
Steps To Remove Water From The Basement
While some people only experience a small amount of water in their basement that they can clean up with a towel, others have a more severe problem. Once a large volume of water is there, how do you get rid of it?
1. Make sure all electrical sockets are above the water before you step foot into the basement. If they aren’t, turn off the electricity if it’s safe to do so. Your electric company may also be able to turn it off from their end if you can’t.
2. Identify the leak and fix it – even if it’s only temporary. If you can’t fix the leak, call someone who can.
3. Use a submersible pump to remove standing water. Take care of the rest with a wet vac.
How To Fix A Basement After Water Damage
There are few things as stressful as realizing that a leak or standing water in your basement led to significant damage. Fortunately, as stressful as the situation, it’s entirely manageable – either for you or a water damage restoration company.
1.Make sure the basement is a safe place to be, with electricity switched off. Open all windows and doors to speed up the drying process.
2.Document all damage – this is important for filing an insurance claim. Take photos before you start the cleanup and capture everything that has been affected by the water, even in a small way.
3. Start the drying process with air movers and dehumidifiers. Water damage restoration companies have access to commercial equipment to speed up the process.
4.Remove everything damaged that can’t be fixed, such as carpet and padding, drywall, baseboards, and stained paneling.
5.Clean, clean, and clean some more! You will need water and detergent or baking soda with white vinegar. After you have cleaned the basement, disinfect it with water and bleach.
6.Replace all damaged building materials once you’ve left the basement to dry for several days. Make sure any furniture going back into the basement has been thoroughly dried to prevent mold growth.
Is Basement Water Damage Covered By Homeowners Insurance?
It’s easy to assume that your homeowners’ insurance policy will cover any water damage that occurs in your basement. While it’s true that most policies cover plumbing problems, appliance breakages, and subsequent mold, there are some exclusions that are worth considering.
Some insurance providers require you to upgrade your policy to include sump pump failure, mold, and drainage problems. Many don’t also cover basement water damage caused by natural flooding, sewer line backups, and water main breakages.
Before water damage affects you and your property, take this opportunity to review your insurance documents to make sure you’re covered for if the worst should happen.
How Much Does Basement Water Damage Cost To Repair?
The average cost of basement water damage can depend on where you live and the extent of the damage. Nationally, you can expect to pay between $2,500 and $5,000. Though, the more complicated or extensive the repair requirements, the higher the cost.
When you require basement repairs, don’t be afraid to ring an experienced water damage restoration company for a quote.
Why Call In The Experts For Basement Water Damage?
As tempting as it can be to save money and handle the restoration and drying process on your own, it can often be a far more convenient and effective process to hire experts.
Water damage restoration teams have commercial equipment to speed up the cleaning and drying process while also ensuring it’s done more thoroughly. They are also industry-certified to work with black water.
What’s more, they handle everything for you – from the tearing out of damaged building materials to installing new ones. They can even address secondary problems with water damage, like mold, odors, and stains.
The icing on the cake is that as complicated as insurance claims can be, they’ll be there to help you with those, as well.
If you have any questions about basement water damage feel free to call us at 1-833-WE-DRY-IT or chat with us in near-real-time on our Facebook fan page.
