The dangers of flooded basements in Central Maryland

Seemingly small amounts of water in your basement don’t appear to be a real concern, but where is it coming from? Could this small amount of water become a major water disaster? Major basement floods do require immediate attention to prevent wooden beam supports from rotting and cracks in the foundation compromising the structural integrity of you business or home.

There are very few homeowner’s policies, if any, that include flooding protection of any kind, whether it’s from an actual flood, sewer line or sewage backup. You should ask your insurance agent about these coverages and have the riders added to your policy.

When you have flooding in your basement from any kind of standing water, it can cause early system failures including washers and dryers, water heaters, freezers, refrigerators, and your heating and cooling system.

Material items can be replaced, but your health is at serious risk and may not be replaced. A wet basement breeds mold and other types of fungus and bacteria that can cause severe respiratory illness. There is also the threat of electrical shock from outlets, electrical cord and cables that have come in contact with the water.

Other common causes for basement flooding besides a natural flood are:

• Poor lot grading where the slope of your land is heading towards your home or business instead of away from it

• Foundation cracks that need to be repaired to keep water from seeping in

• Cracks or blockages in lateral pipes going from your home or business to the sewer system

• Basements are usually the lowest level of a home and are prone to flooding and water can seep in through the foundation floors or walls from sanitary stations or backups of surface water sources.

• Gravity allows groundwater to go from high to low and is normally higher than your basement floor level and is why it can push its way into your basement.

If your basement floods, you should call a professional water restoration company that deals with flooded basements to make sure the cleanup is done properly to prevent you and your family or co-workers from becoming ill or getting injured.