Common Causes for a Home to Flood

There’s no telling when a home can flood, but homeowners can prevent that by regularly examining the plumbing, appliances, and other areas.

While a home may not appear vulnerable, flooding remains a high threat in some areas of the country and can ruin a homeowner’s precious belongings. While items can be replaced, repairing structural damage can cost even more. 

Here are some common reasons a house can flood:

Broken pipes

It takes very little time for water gushing from holes in a pipe to flood a basement or any other part of the house. Therefore, even a minor leak can worsen if not addressed right away. The best course of action upon detecting a leak is to shut the main water valve and prevent further flooding. 

Clogged gutters

Every house should have working rain gutters to redirect the rainwater away from the home. However, they can clog and prevent proper drainage if not maintained or cleaned regularly. The rainwater can then infiltrate gaps in the roof or elsewhere, causing severe structural damage. 

Therefore, being active in cleaning the gutters is crucial to prevent hefty repair bills. 

Poor drainage

The sewer lines are another crucial aspect many people ignore, but prolonged periods without maintenance can result in blockages and more. The sewage can seep out and ruin the home’s walls, flooring, and more. It’s usually always cheaper to repair the sewer lines than to address significant flood damage after it happens. 

Damaged foundation

The home’s foundation is meant to last, but it can eventually sustain enough wear and tear to develop holes and cracks. That’s when water from outside sources eats away at the foundation and potentially floods the house. This can happen during severe storms or arise from melting snow.

A home built on a solid foundation shouldn’t have this problem. However, those with damaged foundations will incur expensive repair costs once the flooding occurs. Unfortunately, by then, it may be too late to repair it without incurring significant expenses. 

Weather conditions

Unfortunately, bad weather is a condition that homeowners cannot control. Some locations are prone to experiencing more rain than others or even hurricanes. These are unavoidable, but preparing the home against inclement weather does help. 

Faulty appliances

Dishwashers, washing machines, and other home appliances connected to the plumbing will eventually break down. The pipes or hoses connected to them may leak and result in a sudden flood. These floods can then damage the flooring or wiring. 

Broken sump pump

Sump pumps drain water from a basement but can also break down and not do their job. Therefore, keeping them working and in the proper position is crucial. These two requirements will ensure that it drains water correctly. 

Always be careful

There’s no telling when a home can flood, but homeowners can prevent that by regularly examining the plumbing, appliances, and other areas. If one encounters an emergency, contact a professional for assistance immediately.

No Worries Rooter of Gilbert offers residential and commercial drain cleaning, leak detection and repair. We recommend Bio-Green drain care for customers who have slow drains caused by buildup in their pipes. Call us at (480) 405-4497.