If you live in Oklahoma, you know that Spring rains are essential for bringing green back to our state. However, all that rain can cause some problems for homeowners – namely, flooded basements. If you have a crawl space or basement in your home, it's essential to take steps to protect your property this spring.
Storms can bubble up and move through unexpectedly, and if you're not prepared, you could end up with a flooded basement. Water in your home can lead to a variety of problems, including mold, mildew, and structural damage. Not to mention, it's just really unpleasant to deal with.
So what should you do to prevent a flooded basement?
In this article, we will lay out some of the best ways to keep water out of your home this spring. From sump pumps to appliance leaks, we've got you covered.
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Signs of a wet basement.
What are the risks of a flooded basement?
How can you prevent a flooded basement?
What should you do if your basement floods?
What are the Signs of a Wet Basement?
Knowing the tell-tale signs of a wet basement can help you catch the problem early and take steps to prevent further damage. Some of the signs that your basement might be at risk of flooding are:
1. Water seeping through cracks in foundation walls or floors.
Do you see any cracks in your foundation walls or floors? If so, it's essential to get them repaired as soon as possible. Cracks provide a path for water to enter your home, and the longer they go unrepaired, the worse they will become.
2. Dampness, musty smells, or mold growth in your basement.
"What's that smell?" If you notice a musty smell or see mold growing in your basement, it's a sign that moisture is present. And where there's moisture, there's a risk of flooding.
Not only can these smells make living unbearable, but they can also be a sign of serious health risks. Mold and mildew can cause respiratory problems, headaches, and even skin irritation. If you notice any of these signs in your basement, it's important to take action right away.
3. Stained walls or floors.
If you see stains on your basement walls or floors, it's a sign that water has been present at some point. Water can cause all sorts of damage to your home, so it's essential to take care of the problem as soon as possible.
Stained walls and floors are unsightly, but they can also lead to more serious problems like mold and mildew.
If you notice any of these signs in your basement, it's important to take action right away. You can do a few things to prevent a flooded basement, and we'll go over them in the next section.
4. Water in your sump pump pit.
If you have a sump pump, it's critical to check it regularly to make sure it's working properly. A sump pump is designed to remove water from your basement, but if it's not working correctly, it can actually cause flooding.
One way to tell if your sump pump is working properly is to check the water level in the pit. If the water level is higher than usual, it could be a sign that your sump pump is not working correctly.
If you notice any of these signs, it's important to take action right away to avoid dangerous risks.
What are the Risks of a Flooded Basement?
A flooded basement can quickly lead to a variety of problems – both annoying and dangerous. Some of the risks associated with a flooded basement are:
Further mold and mildew growth:
As we noted above, mold and mildew love damp, dark places. So if you have a flooded basement, it's the perfect breeding ground for mold and mildew. Not only can these fungi make your home smell musty, but they can also cause respiratory problems, headaches, and skin irritation.
Home structural damage:
Water is heavy – really heavy.
A few inches of water in your basement can quickly lead to structural damage. When wood gets wet, it starts to rot and break down. This can weaken the walls and floors of your home and make them more susceptible to collapse.
Health hazards:
If you have a septic tank, a flooded basement can contaminate your water supply with sewage and other harmful bacteria. This can lead to serious health problems, so it's crucial to take action right away if you suspect your water supply has been contaminated.
Water damage to floors, walls, and ceiling:
A flooded basement can cause all sorts of water damage to your home. The list of possible damages is long – from ruined carpeting and flooring to damaged walls and ceilings. And if the water is contaminated, the risks are even greater.
A flooded basement is more than just an annoyance – it can quickly turn into a serious problem.
How Can You Prevent a Flooded Basement?
One of the best ways to deal with basement flooding in Oklahoma is to prevent it from happening in the first place. Here are a few things you can do to keep your basement dry this spring:
Install a Sump Pump
A sump pump is a device that pumps water out of your basement and away from your home. If you live in an area with a high water table, or if you have had problems with basement flooding in the past, a sump pump is a great way to protect your home.
Sump pumps are installed in a pit in your basement, and they work by pumping water out of the basement and into a drain or pipe that leads away from your home. Sump pumps can be battery operated or plugged into an outlet, and they should be able to pump water out of your basement at a rate of about one gallon per minute.
If you live in an area with a high water table, or if you have had problems with basement flooding in the past, a sump pump is a great way to protect your home.
Seal Cracks and Holes in Your Foundation
Sealing cracks and holes in your foundation is another great way to prevent water from entering your home. Even the smallest crack can provide a path for water to enter your basement, so it's important to repair any cracks or holes as soon as possible.
You can seal cracks and holes in your foundation with hydraulic cement available at most hardware stores. Just mix the hydraulic cement with water according to the package directions and apply it to the cracks or holes. If you have a lot of cracks or holes, or if they are large, you might want to hire a professional to do the job for you.
Fix Leaks in Your Home
Another way to prevent basement flooding is to fix any leaks in your home. Leaks can occur in appliances, pipes, or even the roof. If left unrepaired, these leaks can cause serious damage to your home.
So, if you see any water stains on your ceilings or walls or notice any dripping sounds, be sure to call a plumber right away.
What to Do If Your Basement Floods
If your basement does flood, the first thing you should do is not panic. With the help of a proven basement waterproofing company, you can get your basement dry in no time.
The next step you should take is to try and find where the water is coming from and stop it. Once you've done that, you can start the cleanup process.
Be sure to remove any wet items from your basement as quickly as possible. Wet carpeting, furniture, and clothing should be removed and taken outside to dry. If possible, open windows and doors to help the basement dry out faster. Once you've removed the water, you can start the process of cleaning and disinfecting your basement. Be sure to wear gloves and a mask while doing this, as there may be harmful bacteria in the floodwater.
You should also call a professional to inspect your home for any damage. A flooded basement can cause severe damage to your foundation, so it's essential to have a professional take a look as soon as possible.
Contact BL3 Plumbing Now Before Water Invades
With the spring weather season upon us, now is the time to take action and prevent your basement from flooding. BL3 Plumbing is here to help. Our team of experts can install a sump pump, seal cracks and holes in your foundation, or fix any leaks in your home.
Whether you are concerned about potential leaks or have begun to notice water stains, the team at BL3 Plumbing is here to help. We offer a variety of services to help you keep your basement dry this spring, including sump pump installation, foundation repair, and leak detection and repair. No matter your needs, we have a solution for you.
BL3 Plumbing also offers a discount for veterans and seniors – ensuring that everyone can afford to keep their basement dry this spring. As a committed business in the Oklahoma community, we are also available 24/seven for any plumbing emergencies.
So what are you waiting for? Contact BL3 Plumbing today and sleep soundly, knowing your basement is dry. Spring showers won't stand a chance against us!
