Did you just walk down to the basement to get something and you are shocked because your basement is flooding with water? It seems quite nasty, but it is as dangerous for your house because moisture under the house can ruin the floors and walls of the house. And if you frequently see your basement to be moist, then it is time for you to waterproof your basement by installing a drain and a sump pump.
Flooding or moist basements are one of the most common issues that many house owners face, so no need to worry. But, let me tell you that it is the most critical one. if the reason behind the wet basement is a clogged gutter, then snaking or pulling out the debris and clearing the gutter can help eliminate the problem. But, if the causes are something like- water flowing towards your house, leakage of the HVAC system or water heater, or backed up water from the municipal sewer system, then you might need to make quick and critical action?
How Does A Basement Drain Work?
A drain in the basement is built over the concrete floor. And the purpose of the basement floor drain is to drain the water coming from one portion of the basement to the outside, direct to the main sewer line. A basement floor drain is built usually when the house is originally constructed.
The most common location of this concrete drain is where the water heater, furnace, or laundry room are. The floor drain can be left just with concrete, or the concrete floor can be covered with tiles, it’s up to you. And the floor of the basement is sloped, even if it is covered with tiles or waterproof material, so water can move easily and quickly and the basement stays dry.
Basements are most likely to get wet because they are on the lowest level. The purpose of the basement drain is to send away the water that is coming toward the house, to the municipal storm drain or sewer line. This helps keep the basement dry and saves your house from flooding or damage.
Just as there is a possibility for another drain in your house to get clogged, your basement floor drain can be clogged too. There might be a possibility of clogging, because you clean your basement and dispose of the debris through the floor drain, never do that. If not, your basement gutter can also be clogged due to mainline clog.
What Are The Reasons Behind Standing Water In The Basement?
So, are you frustrated about standing water in the basement? Yes, I know, that could be a lot of stress. but, what’s causing that standing water? Possible reasons are mentioned below:
Saturated soil
This is the most common cause of standing water or clogged floor drain in the basement. But, not many people take it seriously, although it’s a critical issue. If you live in an area where it frequently rains, then your basement is most prone to this kind of clogging.
Saturated soil stays damp and keeps expanding towards the surface, so it can then damage the HVAC system or even ruin the floors of the basement.
The slope was not made correctly
If the slope is made in the wrong direction, it won’t be able to flow water down the drain and could cause standing water.
Clogged sewers
Due to a lot of flooding or storms outside, dirt, debris and tree leaves, etc can come in with rainwater and can cause a clog. If your main line is clogged due to debris and rainwater waste, or invasive roots growth, then it will cause your basement drain system to be clogged as well.
Damaged pipes
Damaged or cracked pipes can cause a lot of damage to your walls and floors by seeping water.
Cracks in floor
If your basement continues to be wet and moist all the time, then it damages the floor and hairline cracks can happen frequently. Cracks can attract the seepage even more. So, make sure to waterproof your basement.
Can You Prevent A Clogged Basement Drain?
Yes, indeed, if you follow some tips and take care of the following things, then you can minimize the risk of ruining your basement due to standing water. Here is what you can do to avoid a wet basement:
Waterproofing your basement
This is the best possible method to protect your basement from letting water in. you can first fill any cracks that can be seen exteriorly to prevent water from coming in, or to stop condensation. Then interior requires a crack filling with white cement or what your house doctor says. And after that, interior and exterior coating with a waterproofing product could be very helpful.
Tiling the basement floor
You can proceed with the installation of weeping tiles on the floor. Because they absorb excess water like a sponge and drain it away. so, these weeping tiles help water keep flowing instead of standing in the basement.
Sump pumps
Installation of sump pumps can be a great preventive measure. Whenever your other pump is not working well, the sump pump will come into action and will start channeling the water, so it doesn’t keep flooding your basement.
Crack repairs in your basement
If your basement stays damp most of the time, it can cause hairline cracks in the floor. And this is the major cause of standing water or clogged drain. so, you need to fix those cracks before waterproofing your basement.
How To Fix Standing Water In The Basement Drain System?
Once the problem turns out to be serious, there is nothing you can do about it by yourself. You must call the professionals immediately. But there are a few ways to prevent it and fix it if the issue is minor like a clogged gutter. Let’s take a look at a few DIY ways to fix your basement drain system:
Clean up before any clog fixing:
If the water is standing in your basement, you need to clean it up first. Let it clean and dry and then you can proceed to the next step.
Use the famous baking soda and vinegar method:
Pouring baking soda and vinegar solution is the most famous DIY solution for a clogged drain, so you can try it as your drain-clearing hack. But, when you do that, make sure to let it stay overnight to work better. And then pour some boiling water down the drain to clear it.
Snaking is the best idea:
Let me tell you what, this might feel gross to you but this is what it requires when you have a clogged drain and you want to be the plumber for it. with the help of a screwdriver, you can open the drain cover. put on some gloves and pull out the debris from the drain. after that, use the snaking method, or simply use a plunger to pull out any more debris that your hand can’t reach. Once you are done, pour boiling water and let it stay for 15 minutes.
Why Should You Call Professionals?
Any work is best done by the experts. You are not a plumber yourself. But, still, if you have the know-how and you think this is a minor issue that you can solve, then you are more than welcome. But, if the problem remains, or you simply think this is something out of your hands, then trust your guts and call Drain Express. We are here to assist you 24/7.
Drain Express is a team of professional plumbers with the availability of the latest drain cleaning techniques and tools. We provide rooting service, hydro jetting, and whatever else is required to solve the problem. You will never be disappointed. If you need any more information, call us or visit our website.
Contact Details
Email: info@drainexpress.ca
Phone:
+1 416 752 5959
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300 New Toronto St #14,
Etobicoke, ON, M8V 2E8
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