Basement flooding is a frequent and costly issue for many New Jersey homeowners. The mixture of the state’s geographical features, aging infrastructure, and frequent storms makes houses particularly vulnerable to damage.
Issues such as heavy downpours, high water tables, foundation cracks, or poor drainage infrastructure can lead to this problem. In such a scenario, you expect to experience problems like mold growth, structural deterioration, and expensive repairs.
Comprehending the reason why New Jersey residences are prone to this issue is the first step in finding effective solutions. This article explores factors behind this issue and offers practical strategies to protect your living space from future damage.
High Water Table
Basement flooded? We can help!
Water table refers to the underground level at which soil is fully saturated. In the state of New Jersey, especially the low-lying areas near the coast, rivers, or marshlands, it is usually quite high. This means that the groundwater is closer to the surface in these areas compared to other regions. It could even rise higher during times of heavy rainfall. In such situations, you may experience flooding.
Heavy Rainfall and Storms
The region experiences intense weather patterns, especially during hurricane season and Nor’easters, which dump large amounts in a short period. These storms usually overwhelm local drainage systems, making it to pool around the structure. When this happens, expect to experience heavy flooding.
Poor Drainage Systems
Many older homes in the state were built with outdated or inadequate drainage infrastructure that struggles to handle today’s extreme weather conditions. Poor graded landscaping causes floods to flow towards the house instead of away from it. This allows it to pool around the house, which may in turn make its way inside.
Foundation Cracks and Hydrostatic Pressure
Over time, natural environment or bad building techniques can cause cracks to form around the base of the house. This results in weak points where water could seep in. Hydrostatic pressure happens when it permeates the soil around the base, pressing against the walls and floors. As the pressure builds, it forces it through even the smallest cracks or gaps, causing flooding.
Sump Pump Failure
Many residences in the state, especially those with basements below the water table or in flood-prone areas rely on sump pumps to keep their dwellings dry. The work of this mechanism is to collect overflow in a sump basin and pump it out away from the house. However, in times of heavy rainfall, the system can become overwhelmed leading to failure.
Solving the Problem of Basement Flooding
Here are some key strategies to deal with this problem:
Install a French Drain
A French drain is a trench filled with gravel or rock that contains a perforated pipe designed to direct floods away from the base. By collecting groundwater, it alleviates the pressure on your base, minimizing the risk of seeping in. The drain carries overflow to a sump pump or a safe drainage area, preventing it from pooling around the substructure.
Seal Foundation Cracks
The foundation may develop cracks due to the natural environment, shifting soil, or hydrostatic pressure, especially in New Jersey due to frequent rainfall. Water could seep in the house through the cracks, causing moisture buildup or full-blown flooding. By sealing these cracks using specialized materials such as epoxy or hydraulic cement, you can prevent it from infiltrating. Regularly inspecting and fixing these cracks is important when it comes to keeping your home dry.
Maintain and Upgrade Sump Pumps
Over time, sump pumps become less efficient due to lack of maintenance or wear and tear. Regularly checking for blockages in the pump, cleaning the sump pit, or testing the pump to check its functionality helps you to prevent unexpected failures caused by storms or heavy rainfall. Upgrading to a more powerful or higher capacity pump is quite necessary if your current system cannot handle overflow.
Basement flooding is a frequent issue for many homeowners in the state of New Jersey due to a combination of natural and structural factors and sump pump failures. These vulnerabilities lead to costly water damage and further problems in the future if not addressed quick. Lucky for you, this article has explained different solutions such as installing a French drain, sealing foundation cracks, and upgrading sump pumps that you can use to minimize the risk of flooding. However, these tasks can be quite overwhelming, a major reason to involve experts. They have the needed skills, expertise, and equipment to do an excellent job on your behalf.
