SERVPRO can get Your Crawlspace or Basement Dry after Heavy Rain and Flooding

6/7/2022 (Permalink)

Heavy Rain Can Cause Basement or Crawlspace Flooding

Heavy Rain Causing Problems in Your Crawlspace or Basement

Storm season can bring unexpected downpours. Is your home or business ready?

How often do you check under your house?

If you have a full, finished basement then chances are you go under your house often. That is a good thing. By being in the area you can notice if there are any changes in smell or appearance. If you have a crawlspace, you may not go under your house as often as you should. By not checking your crawlspace you may be missing some major issues. These may include unknown leaks in plumbing, cracks in the foundation letting ground water in, standing or pooled water, microbial growth, etc. Having a schedule to get in your crawlspace or basement can save you a lot of unnecessary headaches.

Start at the Foundation

The foundation that your home or business sits on may shift over time. This shift may be so subtle that you don’t even notice. The blocks that make up the foundation, though, may show signs of movement through cracks. If this is the case you may need to contact a foundation repair company. Do your research and find one that is right for you. After you have the damaged block repaired call SERVPRO® of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties a 931-250-5333 to perform a moisture check. If necessary, we can get everything dried and treated.

Sump Pumps

It is a good idea to invest in a sump pump for your home or business. The following are some good things to know about the device.

1. Homes with a basement or crawl space are perfect candidates for sump pumps.Does your basement or crawl space flood when it rains? If so, you should invest in a sump pump for your home. The sump pump will help prevent flooding nightmares that many homeowners face during the rainy months.
2. Sump pumps should be installed at the lowest level of the basement.Your sump pump pushes water away from the house before water even reaches the basement floor level. Many times, the sump pump removes the water by pumping it into a dry well or storm drain.
3. Battery backup sump pumps are a wise investment.Do you find that your sump pump stops working when you need it the most? When a bad storm strikes, lightening and strong winds can knock out power lines. Having a battery backup sump pump helps keep your basement from flooding when the electricity goes out. You can call a professional like Hope Plumbing to install your backup sump pump.
4. Sump pump lines can freeze just like water lines. If sump pump lines aren't buried at the proper depth, lines can begin to freeze once temperatures hit the freezing mark.
5. Test your sump pump at least once every three months. You don't want to find out your sump pump isn't working during the middle of a storm. At minimum, you should test your sump pumps once a year. Testing your system is really simple. Grab a 5-gallon bucket, fill it with water, and slowly pour water into the sump pump until the float triggers activate your pump. Watch the water level drop and if everything is working properly, the sump pump will shut back off once the water drops below the shutoff level.

Vapor Barrier

A vapor barrier is typically thick plastic materials that are installed across the soil to prevent ground moisture from ever entering the space. Some of the benefits of a vapor barrier are as follows: 

• Keep Moisture Out.
• Prevent Mold and Structural Damage.
• Get Rid of Pests.
• Avoid Wiring Hazards.
• Prevent Rust and Corrosion.
• Improve Energy Efficiency.
• Create a More Comfortable Home.
• Enable Better Crawlspace Access.

These are a few ways that you can help ease the strain of a strong storm that produces heavy rain. If you find yourself in need of water extraction and/or structural drying please call SERVPRO of Cumberland, Morgan & White Counties at 931-250-5333. We will make it “Like it never even happened.”