What causes basement flooding and the ways to prevent it

Owning a large property is a sign of success, which is likely to require a large financial commitment. It can be something to be immensely proud of if the responsibilities that go with it are taken seriously. Proper maintenance is essential, especially if the building has a basement. This can provide challenges of its own in London, with its many underground water sources and notoriously damp clay.

Independent damp surveyor London is a phrase that is well worth typing into a search engine for anyone concerned that their property may be showing signs of damp. One of the most serious issues a property owner can face is flooding in the basement, which not only causes immediate damage but can also lead to long-term structural problems if not addressed properly. The following paragraphs look at the causes and ways to prevent flooding.

Poor drainage systems that have not been previously considered or worried about can cause immense issues through flooding in the basement. Rather than waiting for this to occur, it makes far more sense to have regular independent damp surveys carried out, as they can lead to early detection of the issue and large financial savings if a flood occurs, as well as the cleaning up operation and inconvenience. Clogged or broken drains around the property can cause water to pool and seep into the basement. Regularly cleaning and maintaining gutters, downspouts, and external drains is one easy way to prevent the issue.

A pre-purchase damp survey is highly recommended for anyone looking to buy a large property with a basement before they sign on the dotted line, as it is highly likely to affect the agreed price. The excessive rain that often falls across England can overwhelm the soil and drainage systems. Installing a proper grading system to direct water away from the foundation is a recommended course of action, which our team at London Damp Specialists can assist with. Undetected cracks in foundation walls or floors are often the cause of flooding, which can easily be repaired once it has been properly inspected. The work is usually done by sealing them with waterproofing compounds and monitoring for signs of widening.

Looking for an independent damp surveyor near me is advisable, as they will understand the local nuances and conditions. When choosing our team, we will confirm that overflowing gutters cause water to collect near the basement walls. Keeping them clear and ensuring downspouts direct water well away from the home is the solution. It might be poor landscape design that causes the issue, with sloping soil towards the house leading water into the basement, which can be solved by grading the land to slope away from the foundation. Sewer pipes backing up are another major issue which experts are likely to detect.

Flooding in the basement of a property can cause huge issues, which can be detected before they get out of hand by calling on one of our team on 020 7523 5882 to save large sums on repairs.