Basement flooding season is here. Not that it can’t happen at any time (particularly in the Northwest), but heavy spring rains make flooding a greater possibility. There is the immediate problem of how to get rid of the water, which should be your top priority. But once that’s been accomplished, it’s not simply a matter of turning on a few fans or a dehumidifier and letting it all dry out. If your basement is finished, you can have severe mold issues that arise from a flooding event. Electrical outlets can be damaged depending on the height of the waterline. House systems such as HVAC and water heaters can be damaged or significantly more prone to rust post flood. But one thing very few homeowners consider is the negative effect flooding has on their drains.
Flood waters in your basement and in the ground surrounding your home’s foundation can severely damage drain pipes. Water under the foundation can shift the soil, even in a single flooding event, enough that your drains (which are embedded into your foundation) no longer align with the section of drain in the soil itself. Drain pipes can fracture as a result and back up wastewater until they are properly fixed.
Another problem is that pressure from backed up municipal sewer systems or even septic systems that can happen during a flooding event is immense. This can cause drain pipe fractures at areas where pipes are most vulnerable, which is where they are not surrounded by soil or concrete. In other words, in your basement. In these cases, however, a compromised drain pipe is much easier to spot and diagnose.
After a flood, it’s wise to get a licensed plumber to inspect your drains for cracks and ensure they are still draining correctly. Your drains may be fine but it costs very little to have them checked out and if there has been a rupture or sub-foundational offset, knowing that and being able to proactively deal with the problem can avoid further damage and save homeowners thousands.
