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Basement Flooding Uncovered: Causes, Prevention & Protection for the Bluff City

Are you tired of seeing the weather forecast for heavy rains in Memphis and surrounding areas and instantly worrying about your basement flooding? The fear sets in as you worry if it will be a damp corner, or worse, standing water. Basement flooding doesn’t just ruin your personal belongings, but it can also cause structural damage that requires costly repairs. 

Knowing what caused basement flooding and identifying a preventative waterproofing solution is the first step to help protect your home. From basement sump pumps to dehumidifier systems, we will explain how one of our experts can recommend and implement the best plan to keep moisture out of the basement. 

What Causes Basement Flooding?

  • High water table: Because of the proximity to the Mississippi River, this is important for local homeowners to understand. The water table is the overall level of groundwater near the surface, affected by frequent storms, heavy rainfall, and snowmelt. A high water table creates hydrostatic pressure against basement walls, causing water to seep through cracks or joints. 
  • Poor drainage systems: Inadequate drainage systems fail to divert water away from the foundation, resulting in water accumulation that can compromise structural integrity.  If gutters and downspouts aren’t directing water away from the foundation, it can pool around the basement.
  • Damaged basement walls: Natural settling or structural cracks from construction issues can allow water to seep in and penetrate your basement.
  • Faulty sump pump: If the sump pump fails or can’t keep up with water levels, flooding can occur.
  • Plumbing issues: Leaks from plumbing systems can saturate the soil around the foundation, leading to erosion and weakening of the structure. Additionally, freezing temperatures or aging plumbing can also lead to pipe bursts, causing indoor flooding.

What is the potential damage when your basement floods?

  • Mold growth: Memphis has a humid subtropical climate with four distinct seasons. The summer months are persistently hot and humid, creating ideal conditions for harmful mold and mildew to thrive from basement moisture. This can also create musty smells and pose health risks for those with respiratory issues or allergies.
  • Property Damage: Moisture can quickly damage drywall and flooring. Drywall, being an organic material, is highly susceptible to mold growth when wet. Most carpets tend to retain moisture for extended periods, making it difficult for them to dry fully and allowing mold to thrive. When exposed to moisture, wood can warp, swell, and crack. Plus, your furniture, electronics, and stored items could be affected.
  • Structural damage: Basement water can weaken the foundation, walls, and flooring, leading to cracks and compromised stability of your entire home if not addressed.

How to prevent and protect your basement from flooding?

Basement waterproofing is one of the basic elements of ensuring you have a healthy basement. There are a variety of unique solutions for different basements – whether you’re in Memphis, Southaven, Germantown, Collierville, or beyond, basement flooding repair is not as daunting as it may seem with the help of local, knowledgeable experts. We’ll explain some of the basement waterproofing materials below.

Basement Dehumidifier System

A basement dehumidifier is useful for removing excess humidity and can be adjusted to your preferred humidity level. However, it’s important to address the source of humidity first. Once water entry is managed, a dehumidifier can effectively control basement moisture. This is essential for basement drying.   

basement dehumidifier

Basement Sump Pump

A basement sump pump is a water drainage system placed at the lowest point of your home in a basin. It uses a float to activate when water levels rise, such as from rain or melting snow. The pump then drains the water through pipes, directing it away from your foundation to a safe location like a storm drain. A basement pump is critical in areas with frequent precipitation, offering strong protection against flooding.

groundworks installing basement sump pump

Interior Drain

An interior drain runs around the perimeter of your basement, collecting water and redirecting it to a sump pump before it accumulates. It’s especially useful for basements with flooding issues from walls. This system prevents water buildup and can be part of a broader drainage solution, rather than addressing the problem on its own.

interior drain basementgutter

Grated Drain Pipe

Water can enter your basement through an external door, whether in large amounts or small. To prevent this, a grated drainpipe can be installed to redirect water under the basement floor to the sump pump. This solution helps maintain your basement’s health, especially if you’re dealing with flooding issues.

Ready To Keep Your Basement Dry?

With our extensive understanding of basement flooding causes and prevention, our team is ready to understand your problem and guide you through the necessary steps to help find a solution to protect your home.  

Simply reach out to Groundworks for a free inspection today. We’re here to help keep moisture and water out of your basement throughout all of Memphis’ changing seasons.

Many DIY solutions available at big box stores are quick fixes that are only temporary. These repairs would require continuous purchasing and application.

However, professional repairs are usually guaranteed for the life of the structure.

Basement waterproofing does not have a one-size-fits-all solution. Contact a professional for tailored repairs suited for your home.Common applications for basement waterproofing include interior drainage, insulation, sump pumps, and dehumidifiers. In severe cases, bowing walls and sinking floors are addressed. 

We do not recommend DIY basement waterproofing. While sealing basement walls may seem like a quick fix, it is crucial to address mold and mildew issues first. Contact a professional to identify, repair, and prevent leaks rather than attempting a DIY patch-up.

Ted Dryce

Ted Dryce

Content Writer

Ted is an SEO Content Writer who has been with Groundworks since 2021. He’s covered home repair topics ranging from crawl space encapsulation to regional soil conditions. When he’s not working, Ted is performing improv comedy and working on his own creative projects.