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Fire & Water - Cleanup & Restoration™
(732) 248-9555

Preventing Flooded Basements in Edison, NJ

7/12/2022 (Permalink)

When your basement floods in Edison, NJ, our team is ready 24/7 to respond with expert cleanup and restoration services.

With over 98 percent of basements experiencing flooding or water damage at some point in their lifetime, a flooded basement in Edison, NJ is much more common than homeowners would suspect. However, many aren't sure where to start first when they find water in their basement in Edison, NJ.

So, what should you do when your basement experiences flooding in Edison, New Jersey? Here, we will outline why your basement is flooding, how to handle flooding in your basement, and how to prevent your basement from flooding in the future.

Need Basement Flood Cleanup? Call 24/7 - 732-248-9555

Why Is Your Basement Flooding?

There are several reasons that your basement may be experiencing flooding or water damage. The most common causes include:

  1. Leaking or burst water heater
  2. Heavy rains
  3. Excessive snow melt
  4. Burst pipes
  5. Sewage backups

1. Water Heaters

When was the last time you replaced your hot water heater? The average life expectancy for most water heaters is 8-15 years, which means that the older your water heater gets, the more likely it is to cause water damage inside your home.

2. Heavy Rains

Your basement is increasingly likely to flood during periods of storms and heavy rains. When the ground around your foundation becomes saturated, water will work its way into your basement in any way possible.

If there are cracks in your foundation or if the windows in your basement have been incorrectly installed, water can slip through that way.

3. Excessive Snow Melt

When warmer weather follows after a big snow storm, all of the snow around your house may melt quickly, allowing water to pool around its foundation and saturate the ground.

4. Burst Pipes

When a water pipe in your home is old, corroded, or experiences increased water pressure, it could burst. Burst water pipes can cause extensive water damage inside your home.

During the winter, water can often freeze inside your pipes, which also causes them to burst.

5. Sewage Backups

Depending on where they take place in your home, sewage backups and toilet overflows are another common source of a wet or flooded basement in Edison, NJ.

The most common causes of a sewage backup include:

  • Broken sewer lines
  • Roots growing into sewer pipes
  • Flushing items like diapers or sanitary napkins down the toilet
  • Heavy rains

What To Do When Your Basement Floods

  1. Don't immediately enter a flooded crawlspace or basement! Make sure that the affected area is safe to enter first. If there's a large amount of standing water, you should turn off your electricity and gas.
  2. Find the source of the water. Understanding where the water is coming from is key to determining your next steps. If the water is a result of a burst pipe, hot water heater, or sewer backup, turn off your water immediately. If the flooding is due to heavy rains, wait until the storm ends and water stops flowing into your basement.
  3. If you have a sump pump or drain in your basement, make sure it's working. Both of these things aid in draining water from your basement, but it's also possible that they may be the cause of the flooding issue.
  4. Begin removing water. If there are only small puddles of water, you can use a wet dry vacuum, towels, or a mop and bucket. If there's a few inches or more of standing water, we recommend calling a professional basement water removal company to provide expert water extraction services. SERVPRO of Edison has specialized equipment to quickly extract all water from your basement to help mitigate damages and prevent mold growth.
  5. Dry out your basement as well as possible. Remove any wet belongings so that they can dry. If there was a lot of standing water for an extended period of time, SERVPRO of Edison can help with our advanced equipment and moisture meters to make sure your basement is completely dry.
  6. Start cleaning and sanitizing. It's important to make sure that all basement walls, floors, and items have been properly sanitized since water damage can often leave behind dirt and debris. This step also aids in preventing the growth of mold or mildew, as well as any unwanted odors.
  7. Fix the cause of your flooded basement. It's important to take preventative measures to make sure you don't have to deal with a flooded basement again. If your home is prone to flooding, consider basement waterproofing. If you don't already have a sump pump or floor drain in your basement, consider installing them.

How To Prevent Flooded Basements in Edison, NJ

Most of the time, water in your basement can be easily avoided through regular upkeep, maintenance, and visual inspections.

  1. Have Your Water Heater Serviced Once Per Year - Over time, sediment and other debris can build up in your hot water heater, causing the appliance to malfunction and leak.
  2. Waterproof Your Basement - Because basement waterproofing can be dangerous, it's best to seek out a professional waterproofing company for help.
  3. Take Steps to Prevent Burst Pipes - Water discoloration and low water pressure can be indicators of aged or corroded water pipes. It's also especially important to take notice of your water pipes during the winter because of freezing temperatures.
  4. Be Cautious of What You Flush Down the Toilet - Sewage backups are often caused by flushing items like diapers or sanitary napkins down the toilet.

Need Help With A Flooded Basement in Edison, NJ?

When your basement sustains flooding or water damage, SERVPRO of Edison can provide immediate assistance. Our team is ready to respond with emergency water damage restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Our IICRC Certified restoration specialists provide expert services in Edison to fully clean and restore your property to its pre-water damage condition.

With over 15 years of experience in flooded basement cleanup near Edison and the surrounding areas, you can trust SERVPRO of Edison to make your water damage "Like it never even happened."

Call Us 24/7 For Immediate Assistance - 732-248-9555

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