Basement moisture control is essential for maintaining both the structural integrity of a building and the health of its occupants. Many people believe moisture issues in a basement are unavoidable. Not true. A basement drain system redirects water away from the basement, protecting against flooding and water damage.
This blog will explain how basement drainage systems function and offer tips for managing a wet basement.
What Is A Basement Drainage System?
A basement drainage system helps prevent water from seeping into your basement or crawl space. It safeguards against water entry with indoor and outdoor features like sump basins and auto-active pumps to reduce flood risk, mold, and water damage.
Examples Of Basement Drainage Solutions
- Interior French Drain: An interior basement French drain is a shallow trench that runs around the edge of your basement, right where the walls meet the floor. Inside this trench is a perforated pipe that catches water seeping through your basement walls or floor and channels it into a sump pit. This setup is advisable in areas with high water tables, where water intrusion can be a persistent problem.
- Sump Pump: A sump pump keeps the entire drainage system functioning and ready for action when water levels rise. When water collects in the sump pit, the sump pump automatically turns on and pushes the water out and away from your house to prevent your basement from flooding. You can also incorporate a backup pump if the main one fails during heavy rain or a power outage.
- Exterior French Drain: An exterior French drain is like the interior version but installed outside your home, around the foundation. It captures groundwater before it even has a chance to reach your basement walls. A layer of gravel and a fabric around the pipe help keep dirt away so water flows smoothly. It’s often combined with a waterproof coating on the foundation walls for extra protection.
- Gutters and Downspouts: Your gutters and downspouts help keep water from your foundation. Gutters catch rainwater from the roof and direct it through downspouts away from your home. With gutters and downspouts, you’ll stop water from collecting around your foundation and infiltrating your basement.
- Sealants and Waterproof Coatings: Sealants and waterproof coatings are applied to your foundation walls. They act like a shield to prevent water from seeping through the concrete or brick, especially if you live in a rainy area or have experienced basement leaks.
- Grading: Properly directing water away from your house is important for preventing potential damage to your foundation and basement. This process hinges on achieving the correct grading around the foundation. Ideally, the ground should slope downward at a rate of 6 inches for every 10-foot interval away from the house. This slope helps ensure that water flows away from your home, reducing the risk of water pooling near the foundation. If the ground is flat or slopes toward your home, it can lead to water stagnation around the foundation, significantly increasing the chance of basement leaks or even flooding.
Main Causes Of Basement Flooding And Water Damage
External Factors
- Poor Drainage: An inadequate drainage system means water might not flow away from your house properly.
- Foundation Cracks: Water may infiltrate your basement due to structural flaws.
- Problems With Gutters: If gutters are blocked or overwhelmed by water, they can overflow, creating a risk for your foundation.
- Clogged Downspouts: Like gutters, clogged downspouts with debris can cause water to pool around your home.
- Groundwater Challenges: A high water table or saturated soil might be pushing water into your basement area via hydrostatic pressure.
- Landscape Grading Issues: A yard with a slope facing your home might funnel water directly to the foundation.
- Malfunctioning Drainage System : When you notice water pooling around the foundation, check to make sure your drainage system is functioning properly.
- Sewer Backups: Problems with a municipal sewer system can send hazardous wastewater into your basement.
Internal Factors
- Sump Pump Concerns: To avoid sudden flooding, your sump pump must work properly.
- Household Leaks: Unchecked leaks, whether from water heaters, appliances, or your home’s plumbing, can cause severe water-related damage.
Basement Foundation Vulnerabilities: Minor leaks through your basement’s foundation can escalate into a severe issue.
Construction and Maintenance Issues
- Poor Basement Sealing: Insufficient sealing can make your basement susceptible to moisture.
- Faulty Sump Pump Installation/Maintenance: You must correctly install and regularly maintain a sump pump to ensure it performs as expected.
- Construction-Induced Damage: Construction nearby could impact drainage patterns and affect your foundation.
What Do I Do If My Basement Is Flooded?
When your basement is flooding, you must respond quickly to stop and lessen the damage. These steps can solve the problem, protect your home, and avoid future issues.
Here’s what you should do:
- Prioritize Your Safety: Turn off the power before going down to the basement because water and electricity are dangerous. If there’s a gas smell, leave your home immediately and call your gas company. Don’t use any electrical switches or appliances until it’s safe.
- Identify and Stop the Water Source: You need to locate where the water is coming from. Is it due to a heavy rainstorm, a burst pipe, or a malfunctioning sump pump? If the flooding is due to a faulty pipe, turning off the water supply will help stop the water flow. If your sump pump isn’t working, see if you can fix it or use a backup pump to pump out the water.
- Remove the Water: When there’s a ton of water, a wet/dry vacuum or a portable pump can help you remove it quickly. For smaller amounts, a bucket and mop will be enough. Open windows and doors for fresh air to circulate. Use fans and dehumidifiers to dry your basement faster.
- Clean and Disinfect: Bring all wet stuff like furniture and rugs outside so they don’t develop mold if damp. Use a bleach solution or disinfectant on wet surfaces to fight off mold and sanitize your basement. If your basement stays wet for a day or two, look for mold and remove it immediately.
- Assess and Document the Damage: Document the damage with photos before you start cleaning up.
- Repair and Prevent Future Problems: You must address what caused the flooding to avoid it happening again. That could be sealing cracks in the foundation, installing a drainage system (if you don’t have one), repairing a broken sump pump, or improving drainage.
- Call the Professionals: Contact a specialist to address any underlying issues and properly handle the cleanup. Professionals can assess the damage, ensure the area is thoroughly dried, and help prevent future problems.
Who Should I Contact For A Professional Basement Drain System?
For a professional basement drain system, you should contact plumbing contractors who specialize in drainage installations and repairs or waterproofing specialists who focus on preventing water intrusion.
Foundation repair companies can also be a good option if the drainage issues are related to foundation problems. Additionally, if your basement project involves broader renovations, a general contractor can handle the installation of the drain system as part of the overall work. Be sure to choose someone with experience, check their credentials, and read former customer reviews to ensure quality service.
