There is an approximate rain precipitation in the Akron area of about 36.06 inch every year. That’s nothing compared to the precipitation that Aberdeen Reservoir, Washington gets of 130.6 inches of rain every year. But, the 36 inches of rain a year that we get can still play havoc with your home if your basement has issues. There are many homes in the Northeast Ohio area that are older homes, and their basements need work. But, if you have a flooded basement after a heavy rain, do you know what to do first? Below there are three articles about basement flooding and what to do right away. If you need help finding a solution to your basement problems, contact us, we will be happy to talk to you.
Niles homeowners say flooded basements a recurring problem
NILES, Ohio –
Flooding on Thursday caused some problems for Niles homeowners, and they say this isn’t the first time.
21 News arrived at a home on Brown Street after the rain had passed but, water was still gushing out from the home’s basement pump.
The owner Joan Grusha said the pump became necessary after she spent $14,000 waterproofing the basement but, still experienced flooding.
“Every time is rains real hard we get it,” said Grusha who has lived at the home for 48 years. “I have had water in my basement, I don’t know how many times I’ve had to go down there and clean it up even after I had it waterproofed.”
Just around the corner on East First Street, Pamela Wolfe said her flooding problems are also on repeat.
“My furnace is out, my hot water tank is under water, my washer, my dryer, they’re all brand new because I had to replace them from the last time,” said Wolfe.
And although she said she followed advice to have her drain cleaned out, she fears that only paved the way for more overflow. Her main concern is that the flooding comes with more than just water.
“It’s sewage and water. Somehow they’re connected together, they said ‘Oh when these houses were built they probably hooked your sewer and your storm sewers together.’ There’s been things floating in my basement that weren’t from me,” said Wolfe.
Pumping Your Flooded Basement — Use Caution
CEDAR RAPIDS, Iowa — Emergency management officials are urging Iowa residents with basements flooded by the recent storms to use caution when pumping out. Removing all of the water at once may cause serious structural damage to the house.
Draining the water too fast could cause the collapse of the cellar walls, floors, and foundation of the house. The water must be drained slowly to equalize pressure on both sides of the wall.
Although the flood has receded, water still in the ground outside your house may be pushing hard against the outside of your basement walls. The water in your basement is pushing back. If you drain your basement faster than the water in the ground is draining, the outside pressure may be greater than the inside pressure and may cause the foundation or the floor to crack or collapse.
The Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) and the Iowa Emergency Management Division (IEMD) recommend the following procedures be followed when pumping a basement to avoid serious damage, collapse, or injury:
- Begin pumping when floodwaters are no longer covering the ground outside.
- Pump the water out one foot at a time. Mark the water level and wait overnight.
Water & wind could lead to leaky basement
COLUMBUS, Ohio (WSYX/WTTE) — The tiniest bit of ice can create the biggest problems. For the second morning in a row, the commute was slow because of slick roads. Now, incoming rain could lead to problems inside your house.
Columbus resident, Robert Giehl gave a tour of his basement while it was being waterproofed. A crew had to do repairs on the inside and outside after he discovered water had seeped into his walls and floor. He smelled mildew and knew there was a problem.
Scott Seneff of EverDry Waterproofing says water in the basement is more common in the winter than you might think. The ground is expanding and we are also seeing a triple threat this week of melting snow, power outages and rain.
Scott says you need to attack the water from the outside and inside.
“You should have a sump pump with a back up battery system attached to it, that you can get a few hours up to a day or two in case you lose power.”
