Springtime means melting and rain – what to do if your basement floods?

This article is brought to you in partnership with Rooter-Man Toronto.

Ah, springtime. A time for rejuvenation and reflection. The temperature is warming up, the birds are chirping, and your basement is filling with water faster than Grandpa’s old canoe. With the turning of the seasons also comes melting snow, heavy rain, and thawing ground which all leave your basement a target for water damage. So, what do you do if your basement starts leaking? First – take a deep breath, because you’re not alone. Next, consider these helpful tips to keep your basement dry and protected.

Why is does it happen?

Even a minor snowmelt can result in significant amounts of water seeping into the earth. Combined with spring rainfall, and thawing soil, the result is saturated ground fill that may become unstable and have a direct impact on the foundation of your home. This can also lead to water seepage in your basement as the water will find the quickest route downward.

Once there’s evidence of water intrusion, it’s crucial to identify the source and assess the extent of the problem. This is where it is best to bring in the professionals. Restoring and waterproofing flooded basements are tasks best left to the experts. What can happen if my basement leaks? A leaking basement can lead to a number of problems in your house, starting with foundational issues. If water is seeping in through your walls or flooring, that means the concrete or brick has been compromised. It can lead to problems with mold, or possibly deterioration of sub-flooring. If water is coming up through your drain that could indicate a problem with a sump pump or intrusions to the sewer lines. Most of these are costly situations that can be easily and safely addressed by professionals.

So how do I prevent this?

• Start by improving outside drainage. If water pools near the foundation during a storm make sure the soil around the foundation is properly sloped away from the house.
• Consider installing a sump pump. A cast-iron sump pump can provide reliable protection against basement flooding.
• It might be time to add interior drainage. The drainage system is usually hidden and captures water before it reaches the basement floor. The water is piped to a sump pump that automatically discharges the water outside your house.
• Repair foundation cracks. Horizontal, vertical, and stair-step cracks in the foundation walls are caused by changes in the soil around the foundation or construction defects. A foundation repair expert can inspect the cracks to determine the cause and whether repair is needed.

Springtime can be a hard time on your house, so if you find yourself underwater, call Rooter-Man the #1 Drain Cleaning & Waterproofing company in the GTA.