Flooded Basement In The Chicago Area; Why & What To Do

Many Chicago area homeowners have experienced the sickening feeling of looking at a flooded basement. The dirty water, ruined furniture, ruined clothes, and even ruined mementos are heartbreaking. "Why my basement?" is a common question.

Concrete walls and floors are subject to water seepage, even from miniscule cracks. Moving water seeks the path of least resistance. Therefore, water will accumulate:

  • in window wells
  • seep through windows
  • accumulate in a low area
  • and seep through foundation cracks

Water Damage From Lack of Attention vs. Planning for Window Well Water

Building experts say it is impossible to build a perfect foundation wall. So, even if the foundation is perfect when poured, cracks in your foundation occur due to:

  • temperature changes
  • shifting soil
  • settling of the house

Basements most vulnerable to water leakage and foundation cracks are those that:

  • are completely below ground
  • have improper drainage in the landscape surrounding the home
  • have the landscape "pitched" towards the house
  • where the soil medium around the foundation doesn't have enough gravel
  • where the solid medium is packed with clay

Another common reason you may have a flooded basements is improper management of water from the roof.  Water from the roof is not captured properly due to:

  • poor design of drain spots
  • clogged gutters or no gutters
  • not getting the water away from the house fast enough

Drain Pipe Separated From Downspout

Sump pumps can help relieve the potential for water in the basement. But sump pumps don't run when there is a power outage, unless you have standby electric power.  And at times, rising water can overwhelm a sump pump.

So what can a homeowner do to prevent a flooded basement in Chicago? There are preventative measures you can take!  The first step is to give your basement walls a thorough inspection for cracks.

You will want to call us if you see foundation cracks.  We are foundation crack repair specialists, and we are a Chicago area foundation repair contractor.  We can help!  Contact Us.

The second step is to clean up any water damage and mold growth that has occurred.  Do that quickly!  View our post on the hazards of wet basement drywall.   With over 50 years of experience, we're here to help you.

Posted in concrete repair, foundation repair, wet basements.

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