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What Can Cause a Basement to Flood?

Basement floods occur from either an internal source, like a broken pipe, or an external source, like a natural disaster. The most common causes of a basement flood are frozen pipes, heavy rains, an overflowing toilet, a sump pump failure, a leaking hot water tank, and improperly installed downspouts. However, basement flooding can occur after a failure in any of the following:

  • Pipes and water supply lines
  • Landscaping sloping
  • Foundation structure and sealing
  • Weeping tile
  • Drainage systems
  • Downspouts
  • Gutters
  • Hot water tank
  • Sump pump
  • Egress windows
  • Door seals

While some of these causes may be obvious to identify (for instance, water spraying out of a broken pipe), others may be more difficult to identify. If you come home to a flooded basement and aren’t sure what the cause was, call an emergency water restoration company to get the water cleaned up safely. The professionals will turn off the water and electricity to your home to enter the flood waters with safety in mind and look for a cause. They can pump out the water and get the area dried up quickly to try to prevent mold growth. If a plumbing failure caused they flood, they can recommend a local plumber (or may even partner with a trusted plumbing company) to get the root cause fixed as part of their restoration work.

Additional resources:
How to File an Insurance Claim for a Flood
The Cost of Restoring a Flooded Basement
What Do I Do After a Flood?
Cost of Basement Mold Removal
Water Keeps Coming Up In My Basement Floor
A Guide to Basement Flood Recovery
Ashburn Basement Flood Restoration Costs
After Your Basement Floods, Don't Wait!
Rain that Causes a Basement Flood
Is a Flooded Basement Dangerous?
Is a Water Smell in your Basement Dangerous?
Cleaning Up a Basement Flood
Do Home Warranties Cover Basement Floods?
Finding a Company to Clean Up a Basement Flood
Is Water in your Home Dangerous?
Who can Fixes Home Water Damage in a Basement?
The Best Ashburn Home Water Restoration
Who can Pump Water Out of a Basement?