Top 5 Dangers of Basement Flooding

There is nothing more frustrating than waking up to a flooded basement– and with all the work and the parties you have to attend, you might keep on saying you will pump it out tomorrow, which never comes.

Water can accumulate in your basement for various reasons such as burst pipes, sewage breakups, inadequate drainage, or nearby tree removal. Rising underground water or melting snow are also known to cause basement flooding. Several ways show the presence of basement flooding including,

• Humidity in the air
• Wall cracks
• Smell of mold and mildew
• Discoloration of floor and walls
• Condensation droplets on floor and walls
• White powder on walls

Flooded water will inconvenience you and cause you a lot of money to fix and clean up. It also comes with a lot of danger and damages, some of which I have discussed below.

1. Destroys Properties

Basement flooding is dangerous because it can cause severe water damage to your property. Your properties and belongings will become soaked and destroyed.

Your foundation can also suffer damages from a flooded basement because of the development of cracks brought about by penetration of water through the floor or walls. These damages can seriously compromise the structural integrity of your home. It can also cause wood beams and supports to rot, which can eventually lead to the collapse of your home.

To prevent this, you should inspect the exterior foundation and our basement walls and floors. Use epoxy to fill any foundation cracks or call a mason to do it for you.

2. Causes Mold Growth

Slow-moving, standing water promotes mold and bacterial growth. They grow not only in the basement but also in other rooms. They can be harmful to your family’s health.

Mold can cause health problems like eye irritation, respiratory problems, and skin rashes. These can further progress into serious health problems like memory loss and brain damage over a long time.

Mildew and fungus, which grow in damp and wet places, are also known to cause respiratory problems.

3. Causes Diseases

A flooded basement is a breeding ground for harmful bacteria. These bacteria colonies like to grow on damp, organic matter such as wooden walls or floors. Once they become airborne, they cause different infections.

In time, the water can become stagnant and dirty, which might lead to water-borne diseases.

4. Attracts Pests and Dust Mites

Dust mites are tiny microscopic relatives of spiders that thrive well in damp and wet places. These small creatures are not parasites. They do not bite, sting, or burrow into your body. The harmful allergen they create comes from their fecal pellets and body fragments.

Chronic, ongoing exposure to dust mites can dramatically impact your health. It can lead to running nose, watery eyes, sneezing, persistent cough, and severe asthma attack.

Basement flooding can also attract other pests such as mice, spiders, ants, cockroaches, and snakes.

5. Causes Electrocution and Shock

Basement flooding is dangerous because it can cause electric shock, which can cause severe injury or death in some cases. The electric appliances in the basement can electrify the flooded water, even without breaking the circuit. This makes it a potential death trap.

If the water in your basement has risen above the electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, electrical panels, and heaters, do not enter the basement until the power is turned off.

Your electrical system and applications are also likely to be damaged and destroyed. Some fixtures, such as fans, circuits, heaters, and boilers, may need replacement, which will be costly on your end.

Basement flooding can be dangerous and costly, but it can be solved and prevented.

At Everdry Indy, we understand the dangers of basement flooding and how it can seriously impact your life negatively. You can call us now for a free inspection if you suspect your basement of flooding, and we will be more than willing to assist.

Bruce Cutler

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