The Dangers of a Flooded Basement in Sacramento
Even though April showers bring May flowers, they may also leave Sacramento homeowners with unwelcome basement flooding. It’s an inconvenience to be sure, but is a flooded basement dangerous? The truth is that even a bit of flooding, be it from rainwater or that slab leak repair you’ve been neglecting, can have catastrophic results. If you’re dealing with a flooded basement, it just might be time to call Ace Plumbing.
Slab Leaks? Water Main Leaks? Basement Flooding?
Wet Basement Causes
What causes basements to flood?
- Improper site grading
- Improper drainage, either for the home (gutters and downspouts) or on the ground (French drains and the like)
- Broken pipes
- Clogged drains that need repair
- Breaks or improper fittings in water mains and sewer lines
- Improper insulation in basement doors and windows
- Slab leaks
- Floor and foundation cracks
Problems Caused by a Flooded Basement
Whether your basement is simply a spot for storage and a few key appliances like your washer, dryer, and water heater, or a finished space where you spend quality time with your family, basement flooding causes a litany of problems for the homeowner.
A Flooded Basement Promotes Mold Growth
If you’ve ever spent time scrubbing mildew out of your shower’s tile grout, you can just imagine what a volume of standing water can do to your basement. Standing water promotes the growth of mildew and several species of mold. That includes black mold, which can cause skin irritation, fatigue, and respiratory problems. Once it takes hold, it’s likely to spread to other parts of your home, too.
Basement Flooding Damages Foundations and Walls
Water is the closest thing in nature to an irresistible force. It can go nearly anywhere and can cause extensive damage over time. When water infiltrates concrete, it can cause cracks, softening, and weakness that will eventually weaken walls and foundations. If your foundation begins to buckle or develops vertical cracks, this can be expensive to fix.
A Flooded Basement Can Sink Your Floors
Serious flooding doesn’t always originate in the home. Slab leaks, neglected Sacramento sewer repair, or a much-needed water main replacement can all soften the soil, undermine foundations, and cause floors to sink. It’s important to inspect your home after a flood, and also to make sure you’re pinpointing and solving the right problem. Mere cleanup isn’t enough!
A Flooded Basement Attracts Rodents
The same cracks that let water into your home are also an open door to rodents that thrive in damp environs. Once they’re in, they’re hard to get out. And they also leave more destruction in their wake; from allergen-laden dander and droppings to damaged drywall, insulation, and wiring, these critters can make your life miserable.
Basement Flooding Increases Risk of Death
Water and electricity are a deadly combination. Any appliances you have in the area, your sump pump, wet-dry vac, or your breaker box can cause an electrical shock if you’re standing in water, especially if you try to operate them with wet hands. Standing water can also extinguish pilot lights or foul pilot lights with electrical ignition, leading to a buildup of gas in your home. This, in turn, can lead to suffocation or an explosion risk with even a small spark.
Basement Flooding and Plumbing Repair in Sacramento: Call the Pros!
Even a small flood in your basement can lead to big problems. Sometimes it has an obvious cause and an easy fix. In other instances, however, it takes experience to troubleshoot and correctly fix the problem and to address other problems a basement flood leaves behind (like the need for water heater repair). With so much at stake, get in touch with Ace Plumbing Heating and Air Conditioning for a fast, trustworthy Sacramento plumbing service that gets life back to normal!