MIDLAND, Mich. (AP) Basement damage was widespread in Michigan following the strong storms and flooding of June 22-27. At the time of the flood, many of these homes were covered by the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP).
Policyholders may, however, be unsure about what their insurance plan covers in the basement.
A basement, according to the NFIP, is any part of a building that has a floor that is below natural ground level on all sides; otherwise, it is considered the first floor.
As long as they are linked to a power source and/or situated in a functional position, the following things are protected under building coverage:
- Boxes for electrical junctions and circuit breakers, as well as the necessary utility connections
Basement renovations or goods not required to make the home safe, sanitary, or functional, such as carpeting, finished walls, paint, floors, ceilings, furniture, or personal possessions maintained in the basement, are not covered by flood insurance. Some goods are covered under building coverage, while others are covered under contents coverage. For the best protection, the NFIP recommends purchasing both building and contents coverage.
FEMA’s objective is to assist people and first responders in building, maintaining, and improving our nation’s ability to prepare for, defend against, respond to, recover from, and reduce all hazards.
FEMA will offer disaster aid without discrimination based on race, color, sex (including sexual harassment), religion, national origin, age, handicap, low English proficiency, economic status, or retribution. Call 800-621-3362 or 800-462-7585 (TTY/TDD) if you suspect your civil rights are being violated.
Is it normal for basements to flood?
Basements are the foundation of your home, built partially or completely underground. Even in dry times, this means they are vulnerable to floods. Gravity is usually at blame in these situations. Gravity works hard to force water from high ground to low ground, and when there is a room underground, flooding is a constant possibility.
But why does it flood my basement when it rains? Anyone’s basement, including mine, yours, and theirs, can flood, even if it has never flooded before. There are numerous elements at play, and any one of them can result in serious basement flooding.
The answer to the question “why does my basement leak when it rains?” is tricky because basement flooding can be caused by a variety of factors. If you have water in your basement, it is critical that you locate the cause and resolve the issue before it worsens. Remember that a cup of water is all it takes to ruin your home.
Flooding can occur in dry weather, but it is more prevalent in wet weather. If you’ve never had flooding before or it’s a recurring issue, there are a few things to look at first.
- Water Pooling – Water pooling around the foundation is the most serious issue. Gravity wants to drag the water lower, and it will if there’s a way for it to get into the basement. If your home’s grading is inadequate, or if your gutters and downspouts are clogged, water will run down the walls of your house and onto your property, eventually accumulating near your foundation.
- Foundation Drainage – Flooding might occur if you have a foundation drainage issue. Houses are typically built with a drainage system around them to divert water away from the foundation and basement. If this fails, or if it wasn’t incorporated into the property for whatever reason, any fractures or holes in the walls will allow water to enter the basement. However, whether or not you have a drainage system, and whether or not it is working, if you have breaches in your basement walls, water will seep in during heavy rains. Without correct grading or downspout extensions, the risk of flooding through fissures increases.
- Failures of sump pumps are also a source of concern. If you have one, make sure it’s working properly or at all on a regular basis. Sump pumps are used to remove water from around the foundation. Groundwater can enter the basement through the sump pump and flood the basement if it malfunctions during a severe downpour or if you lose electricity and it shuts off.
- Sewer Backup – A sewer backup is another common cause of basement flooding. Sewage can back up into your property if the city sewers are overflowing due to a rainfall. If the sewers are overflowing, sewage will flow towards your home and may enter through a floor drain or toilet, flooding your basement.
Why does my basement floods during heavy rain?
Soil saturation is caused by persistent rain, which creates hydrostatic pressure (or water pressure). This pressure pushes moisture through the walls and floor of your basement. As the soil expands, it exerts lateral (or sideways) strain on the foundation, resulting in leaks and damage.
How do you pump water out of a flooded basement?
Taking Care of a Flooded Basement
- Pump the water level down 2 to 3 feet, label the level, and let it alone overnight.
- Remove the flooded wall covers for wall switches and outlets, as well as the vents or registers of heating and air conditioning ducts.
How do you tell if a basement has flooded?
- Water stains on basement flooring or walls indicate that your basement has flooded previously and is likely to do so again during periods of heavy rain.
- Dark staining on baseboard trim or drywall discolouration in finished basements are other signs of water damage.
- The presence of white calcification on basement floors or walls indicates that water has already been present.
- It may be easy to notice if moisture has made its way through wall tiles or hairline fractures in your basement foundation if you look closely.
- It’s also worth noting that foundation cracks are an indicator of potential basement flooding in the future.
- Corners and the bottom corners of basement windows are common places for foundation cracks.
- If you have standing water in your basement, even if you can’t find the cause, it’s likely due to cracks or flooding.
- While the water may appear to be pouring in slowly, the accumulation of water and subsequent flooding might inflict more long-term harm.
When I shower my basement floods?
There are three basic causes for this vexing issue. The first explanation can be that there is too much water in the drain. Sewer line clogs play a role in this problem as well. Finally, damage to sewer lines may be to blame for this problem.
When I flush my toilet my basement floods?
When your home’s drain pipes or the main sewer line become clogged, sewage can back up into your home. If one toilet, for example, causes a sewage backup, the drain attached to that toilet will almost certainly become stuck. If all of your toilets or bathtubs are causing backflows, the main sewage line may be clogged or the sump pump may have failed. Hair, grease, and other solid items that end up in drains can cause clogs.
A clog in your home’s sewer line is the source of your basement floor drain backing up when the toilet is flushed. Flushing items that aren’t supposed to be flushed is the most common cause of clogs, although tree roots infiltrating the sewer line can also cause obstructions. This is not a do-it-yourself project.
Can water come up through concrete basement floor?
Water is a sworn enemy of all basements. Yes, water can seep up through the concrete floor around your foundation, making any stuff in its path damp and damaged.
- Mold or mildew odors – Damp and musty odors indicate the presence of mold or mildew in your home.
- Condensation – Moisture buildup on windows and concrete owing to high humidity.
Let’s take a look at four of the most common causes of water seepage through a concrete basement floor.
How do you fix a wet basement after rain?
Installing an interior drainage system that reduces hydrostatic pressure is the most effective approach to keep water out of your basement. You may trap water before it reaches the basement floor by putting drain tile along the seam where the floor meets the wall, which is where the majority of water leakage occurs. The drain tile will collect water that seeps through the foundation walls. The water is then carried by the drainage system to a sump pump, which automatically pumps it out of your home.
Basement Systems’ innovative WaterGuard drainage system takes the notion of a standard French drain and adds a patented design that keeps the system from becoming clogged. You won’t have to worry about a soggy basement the next time it rains!
Can heavy rain cause sewage backup?
When severe rains or rapid snowmelt occur, a large amount of water and debris is deposited in local sanitary sewers, causing the system to become overburdened. Excess water can flow backward into your home’s sewer line and overflow into your basement if there is more water than the sewer system can handle. There are efficient ways for reducing sewage backups if your community is prone to them.