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How To Prevent Water in Your Basement in Metuchen, NJ
11/1/2022 (Permalink)
When you discover water in your basement in Metuchen, NJ, SERVPRO of Edison is Here to Help 24/7.
Although no homeowner expects it to be them, finding water in your basement is surprisingly common. In fact, 98 percent of basements will experience water damage at some point in their lifetime.
Regardless of size, flooded basements can cause problems throughout your entire property, such as damage to your walls and foundation, mold growth, and more.
So how can homeowners help to avoid water in their basements? Here, we’ll outline why your basement is flooding, as well as the steps you can take to prevent flooded basements in the first place.
Need Water in Basement Cleanup in Metuchen, NJ? Call Us 24/7 - 732-248-9555
Why is Water in Your Basement?
There are several reasons why you may be dealing with a wet basement. The most common causes include:
- Leaking or burst water heater
- Heavy rains
- Excessive snow melt
- Burst pipes
- Sewage backups
- Sump pump failure
- Cracks in your basement walls, floor, or foundation
- Clogged gutters
1. Water Heaters
When was the last time you replaced your hot water heater? Most water heaters only last 8-12 years, which means that the older they get, the more likely they are to leak or burst.
2. Heavy Rains
Basements are inherently prone to flooding during periods of storms or heavy rains because of their position at the base of your home. When the ground around your home’s foundation becomes saturated, water can force its way through the concrete and into your basement.
3. Excessive Snow Melt
Excessive snow melt can lead to water in your basement in a similar way to heavy rains. When warmer weather causes large amounts of snow around your home to quickly melt, the runoff can seep into your foundation.
4. Burst or Leaky Pipes
Burst or leaky pipes can cause extensive water damage inside your home.
There are various reasons why your water pipes may burst or leak, such as water freezing inside your pipes, high water pressure, and old or corroded pipes.
5. Sewage Backups
Sewage backups or toilet overflows are a common cause of flooded basements, depending on where they occur inside your home. Most sewage backups are caused by:
- Broken sewer lines
- Roots growing into sewer pipes
- Flushing items like diapers or sanitary napkins down the toilet
- Heavy rains
6. Sump Pump Failure
If your home has a sump pump, its purpose is to pump water away from your foundation to prevent it from seeping up from the floor or through walls.
When your sump pump malfunctions, is clogged, or unplugged, water can quickly enter and flood your basement until the sump pump is repaired.
7. Cracks in Your Basement Walls, Floor, or Foundation
When there are cracks in your basement walls, floor, or your home’s foundation, water can easily slip through.
If there are improperly installed windows, water can also slip through that way.
8. Keep Gutters Clear
Your gutters are responsible for directing water from your roof and away from your foundation. However, when they become clogged with twigs, leaves, and other debris, water can spill over the side and flow into your home’s foundation.
Steps To Prevent Water in Your Basement in Metuchen, NJ
93% of water damage can be prevented through regular upkeep and with the right measures in place. Here, we discuss a few things you can do to reduce the likelihood of water in your basement.
- Have Your Water Heater Serviced Once Per Year - Maintaining your hot water heater helps to remove sediment and other debris that have accumulated over time. By having a professional service your water heater once per year, you can dramatically decrease the chances that it will function or leak.
- Install a Sump Pump - Sump pumps are designed to prevent groundwater from entering your home by collecting any water that flows to it from drains or the ground around your foundation. It then pumps that water away from your home to prevent it from seeping into your basement.
- Waterproof Your Basement - Basement waterproofing methods aim to prevent water from getting into your basement. Some ways to waterproof your basement involve directing water away from your home’s foundation and sealing any cracks in your basement walls or floors. Since basement waterproofing can be dangerous, we recommend seeking help from a professional waterproofing company.
- Take Steps to Prevent Burst Pipes - Keep an eye out for water discoloration and low water pressure in order to detect aged or corroded pipes that could leak or burst. It’s especially important to take notice of your water pipes during the winter because of freezing temperatures.
- Be Cautious of What You Flush Down the Toilet - Most sewage backups are caused by flushing improper items down the toilet, like diapers or sanitary napkins.
- Clean Your Gutters Twice Per Year - Cleaning your gutters at least twice per year allows water to flow freely away from your property.
Need Water in Basement Cleanup in Metuchen, NJ?
When you discover water in your New Jersey basement, you want to take immediate action. Your local SERVPRO in Metuchen, NJ provides a 24/7 emergency response to minimize damages and help salvage your belongings and building materials.
With over 15 years of experience in water in basement cleanup near Metuchen and the surrounding areas, you can trust SERVPRO of Edison to handle any size disaster. Our IICRC certified specialists have all of the training and resources needed to provide the most expert service. Our team even simplifies the insurance process by submitting all of the required documentation on your behalf.
When you call SERVPRO of Edison for professional water in basement cleanup in Metuchen, NJ, our goal is to make your basement flood damage “Like it never even happened.”
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