Preventing Flooded Basements in Morris Township, NJ

9/15/2022 (Permalink)

With basement flooding in Morris Township, NJ being more common than you would think, be sure to take steps to prevent flooding.

With about 98 percent of basements experiencing flooding or water damage at some point in their lifetime, flooded basements can almost be unavoidable.

If it does occur, basement flooding can cause many problems throughout your entire property, such as damage to your walls and floors, cracks in your foundation, and even mold growth. 

So how can homeowners help to avoid flooded basements in Morris Township, NJ? Here, we will outline why your basement is flooding, how to handle water damage from your flooded basement, as well as how to prevent your basement from flooding in the first place.

Need Flooded Basement Cleanup in Morris Township, NJ? Call Us 24/7 - 800-734-3213

Why Is Your Basement Flooding?

There are several reasons why your basement may be flooding. The most common causes include:

1. Leaking or burst water heater
2. Heavy rains
3. Excessive snow melt
4. Burst pipes
5. Sewage backups

1. Water Heaters

Did you know that most hot water heaters don’t last much longer than 10-12 years? The older your water heater gets, the more likely it is to cause water damage inside your home.

2. Heavy Rains

Your basement is significantly more likely to flood during periods of storms and heavy rains. When the ground around your home’s foundation becomes saturated, water can force its way through the concrete and into your basement.

If there are cracks in your foundation or windows in your basement that have been incorrectly installed, water can also slip through that way. 

3. Excessive Snow Melt

When large snow storms are followed by warmer weather, the snow that may be piled up around your home can melt and quickly seep into your foundation.

4. Burst Pipes

When a water pipe bursts, it can flood your property with hundreds of gallons of water per hour. 

There are several reasons why a pipe may burst, such as high water pressure, having old or corroded pipes, or even water freezing inside your pipes.

5. Sewage Backups

Sewage backups or toilet overflows are also a common cause of flooded basements in Morris Township, NJ. The most common causes of a sewage backup include:

• Broken sewer lines
• Roots growing into sewer pipes
• Flushing items like diapers or sanitary napkins down the toilet
• Heavy rains

What To Do When Your Basement Floods

1. Don't immediately enter a flooded crawlspace or basement! Make sure that the affected area is safe to enter. If there's a substantial amount of standing water, you should first turn off your electricity and gas.
2. Determine the source of the water. Understanding where the water is coming from is crucial in deciding your next steps. If the water is due to heavy rains, you should wait until the storm ends and water stops flowing into your basement. If the flooding is due to a burst pipe, hot water heater, or sewage backup, turn off your water immediately.
3. Begin removing water. If there are only small puddles of water, you can use a wet dry vacuum, towels, or a mop and bucket. If there's a few inches or more of standing water, we recommend calling a professional basement water removal company. SERVPRO of Morristown uses specialized equipment to quickly extract all water from your basement to help prevent damages from spreading or worsening.
4. Dry out your basement as well as possible. Remove any wet belongings so they can dry, and set up any fans or dehumidifiers you have. If there was a lot of standing water for an extended period of time, SERVPRO of Morristown can help with our advanced moisture detection and drying equipment to make sure your basement is completely dry.
5. Begin cleaning and sanitizing. It’s important to make sure that all basement walls, floors, and other affected surfaces have been properly sanitized to remove any lingering dirt, debris, or possible mold spores. This step also helps to prevent the growth of mold or mildew, as well as any unwanted odors.
6. Fix the cause of your flooded basement. You want to take preventative measures to make sure you don’t have to deal with a flooded basement again. 

How To Prevent Flooded Basements in Morris Township, NJ

Through regular upkeep, maintenance, and visual inspections, water in your basement can often be avoided.

1. Have Your Water Heater Serviced Once Per Year - While it’s often neglected, your hot water heater accumulates sediment and other debris over time, causing the appliance to malfunction and leak.
2. Waterproof Your Basement - If your basement is prone to flooding, it’s important to take steps to waterproof your basement. Some basement waterproofing methods involve directing water away from your foundation or installing a sump pump or floor drain. Because basement waterproofing can be dangerous, we recommend seeking help from a professional waterproofing company.
3. Take Steps to Prevent Burst Pipes - Water discoloration and low water pressure are key indicators of aged or corroded water pipes that need to be replaced. It’s also especially important to take notice of your water pipes during the winter because of freezing temperatures.
4. Be Cautious of What You Flush Down the Toilet - Sewage backups are often caused by flushing improper items down the toilet, like diapers or sanitary napkins.

Need Flooded Basement Cleanup in Morris Township, NJ?

When your New Jersey basement experiences flood damage, SERVPRO of Morristown can provide immediate assistance. Our IICRC Certified specialists even provide emergency flood cleanup and water damage restoration services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

With over 15 years of experience, our team has the training and resources needed to properly restore your home or business to its pre-water damage condition.

When you need immediate flooded basement cleanup in Morris Township, NJ, SERVPRO of Morristown provides the most expert service to make your basement flood “Like it never even happened.”

• 24/7 Emergency Services

• Water Damage Restoration Specialists

• Mold Remediation Services

• FREE Estimates

• Directly Bill Your Insurance Company

Call Us 24/7 For Immediate Assistance - 800-734-3213