A flooded basement is the last thing a homeowner wants to deal with. Unfortunately, basement flooding is a more common occurrence than you might think. Basements can flood for any number of reasons. As such, the following are some things you should know in the event you have a basement flood:

Why Do Basements Flood?

There are many reasons why a basement may flood. Continuous rainfall or melting snow can be one reason for this problem. Clogged toilets, a backup sewer line, or a washing machine leak can all cause a basement to flood. If you have any burst pipes, you may also get water in the basement.

What Do You Do if the Basement Floods?

First, turn the electricity off to all parts of the basement to prevent electrocution. Next, call your plumber to have the basement inspected to find out where the water is coming from. Once you can get into the basement, you should do all you can to clean the area. Floodwater can cause serious damage to your home, including mold and mildew damage. If the problem lies with your home's plumbing system, you need to have it repaired right away.

Should You Get a Sump Pump?

If your basement floods frequently, you may consider getting a sump pump. Sump pumps installed in a basement help pump water out of your home and away from the foundation. Sump pumps are powered by electricity, but they can run on battery power if you have to turn the electricity off to the basement. Either way, sump pumps should automatically detect the water buildup and begin removing the water.

Should You Get an Ejector Pump?

If your basement has a kitchen or bathroom, an ejector pump is necessary. The plumbing in a home needs gravity to function correctly. If your basement kitchen or bathroom is situated lower than your home's main sewer line, an ejector pump can also be helpful in concert with a sump pump. Ejector pumps move water to the sewer's main line. An ejector pump should also have a battery-powered system to act as a backup in case the electricity cannot power it. The ejector pump is especially useful if sewage waste gets into the basement.

If you need a sump pump, ejector pump, or both installed in your basement to help expedite flood water, call a plumber right away. A plumber can evaluate your needs and help you determine what will work best for your basement. Contact a plumber for more information. 

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