Why Do Basements Flood In Spring?

Spring is the wettest season of the year for a number of cities across the country. Even in areas that receive more rainfall during the summer, flooded basements are often more common in the spring. That’s because springtime delivers a perfect storm of catalysts for flooding:

• Frozen Earth

When temperatures begin to rise in the spring, it takes months for the ground to fully thaw. The cold ground prevents water from seeping into the soil toward the water table. As a result, gravity pulls the spring rains downhill along the path of least resistance, often straight to your basement floor.

• Melted Snow

In addition to rain, snow buildup from the long winter is one of the leading causes of flooding during the spring thaw. Take a look at last month’s blog to learn how to prevent flooding from melted snow.

• Foundation Cracks

Changes in temperature cause objects to expand and contract. As the cold of winter shifts into spring, the foundation of your home may expand ever so slightly. As a result, cracks can form. These cracks are the perfect entry point for rain, snow melt, and any other liquid trying to find a place to settle.

• Clogged Gutters and Downspouts

During the winter months, gutters and downspouts often get clogged with sticks, leaves, and other debris. Until you free the debris, your gutters won’t work properly. Instead, heavy rains will simply overflow, running down the side of your home. And if the overflow happens to find a basement window or a foundation crack, it will flow straight into your home.

• Broken Sump Pumps

Whether your drainage system fails over the winter or you simply lose power during a storm, a dead sump pump can be a recipe for disaster. If you live in an area where power outages are common during flood season, consider a backup battery or generator for your sump pump. A secondary power source could save you thousands of dollars in water damages.

Now that you know some of the reasons that basements flood in the spring, it’s time to start thinking about flood prevention systems. Getting water out of your basement can be much more challenging than preventing it from getting in. So it’s always a good idea to plan ahead.

Flood Avert makes it easy to keep your home dry during any kind of flood. From effective alternatives for sandbags to flood control barriers, we have everything you need to keep you dry. Order online today or give us a call to learn more about how Flood Avert can protect your home.