6 Major Causes of Home Flooding

8/5/2022 (Permalink)

1. Broken Pipes

Just one water leak can signal major flooding problems in the future — it only takes minutes for a broken pipe to send water gushing into your home. It’s important to be cautious of even minor leaks and to know where your home’s main valve to shut off the water is located in case of an emergency. If you’ve noticed water leaks from damaged pipes, call our plumbing expert before it turns into a flooding problem.

2. Poor Drainage

Not only are floods caused by improper drainage a huge inconvenience, but it’s also a hazard that can ruin your flooring, walls, and fixtures. Opting for professional plumbing and Sewer line repair is less costly than repairing the damage from a flood caused by poor drainage.

3. Clogged Rain Gutters

A house’s rain gutters are meant to divert excess water away from it, but if the gutters are clogged with debris the chances of flooding rise significantly. Heavy rainfall and rain gutters filled with dirt and debris lead to a messy situation that can end up costing you a lot of money in repairs. It’s best to be proactive and regularly clean your gutters.

4. Malfunctioning Appliances

An improperly connected or broken water heater, dishwasher, or washing machine can wreak havoc on your home and flood it with water. It’s important to ensure there are no leaks or problems with the water supply to your major appliances. Using a device that can detect appliance leaks is one option, but if you notice a problem it’s best to have your appliances repaired or replaced.

5. Damaged Foundation

If your home’s foundation is damaged with flaws or cracking, it can allow water to enter through the floors. A house’s foundation is always resting on the ground, even when it becomes over-saturated with water from storms, melted ice, and snow, or other precipitation. Homes resting on good, solid foundations aren’t usually affected, but damaged foundations can lead to severe floods. Foundation repair is necessary to prevent flooding caused by poor foundations, and the cost is typically less than the expense of salvaging what’s left after a major flood.

6. The Weather

This is the one cause of flooding that you really can’t do much about, aside from having an emergency weather plan, a good foundation, and a functioning pump. Living in Houston means dealing with rainwaters that rise quickly, hurricanes, and other weather events that can naturally lead to flooding.

No matter the cause of your water challenge – the first step is to call SERVPRO of Sussex County at 302-856-9768.