Avoid Basement Blues

7/10/2020 (Permalink)

While many often only think of sewer line clogs or damage as reasons for sewage backing up in the basement, severe storms in southern New Jersey can also be the culprit. If foul excess water rears its ugly head, it may be time to consider if the systems protecting your home are working.

Causes of Basement Flooding

Bad weather can easily affect a sewer system. Massive amounts of rain can begin to overwhelm the system, forcing it up into your basement. Ways to assist the rain from saturating your home include:

Keep Gutters Clean: Regularly remove debris to prevent buildup. If water flow begins to happen within 15 minutes of heavy rain, they are likely clogged.
Downspout Location: They should come out at least 10 foot from the home.

Proper Sloping: Over time, concrete can settle, which may lead to water going directly toward the foundation and basement. Landscaping can also become flat, leading to the same issue.

Sealant: Cracks in any sealants, whether from age or improper insulation, can quickly create a flooded basement.

Regular cleaning and inspections of this trouble areas can reduce the chances of saturated soil aiding storm water in raising the sewage levels and flooding your basement.

Cleaning Tips
To ensure proper cleanup, getting the help of a flood and storm water cleanup expert is recommended. During any part of the cleanup process, consider the following:

Wear protective clothing including a long-sleeve shirt, pants, eye protection, gloves, and face mask.
Use a shovel and buckets to remove solid matter. Any towels or porous items used during cleanup needs to be thrown away.
A wet and dry vacuum should be used for leftover standing water.
Run fans and dehumidifiers to eliminate remaining moisture to reduce the potential for mold growth.
Items saturated in sewage water should be tossed. In some cases, items can be professionally cleaned.


Regardless of the cause of the flooded basement, taking quick action is necessary to reduce damage. If sewage water is in the mix, consider getting professional to clean up and solve the problem.