Basement Flooding in Sioux Falls: What Causes It & How to Stop It

Not quite. A French drain is a type of drainage system, while an interior basement drainage system is engineered specifically to intercept water entering around or beneath the foundation and channel it to a sump pump. Both handle water, but interior drainage is designed specifically to help prevent basement flooding. 

If your basement is flooding, put safety first. Keep clear of standing water if electrical panels, appliances or the electrical panel may be in contact with water. Once it’s safe, cut off any active plumbing source, record the damage for insurance, and get the water pumped out if needed. After cleanup, have recurring rain or groundwater intrusion professionally inspected to help prevent another flood. 

Yes, in most cases. The right basement flooding solution depends on how water is entering. Interior drainage, sump pumps with battery backup, foundation crack repair and other waterproofing solutions can work together to control water and help keep flooding from happening again. A professional assessment is the best way to determine what your home requires. 

Who to call depends on where the water is originating. For a failed pipe, contact a plumber. Significant standing or sewage-contaminated water may need a professional cleanup company. If your basement floods because of storms, groundwater, foundation seepage or sump pump problems, contact a basement waterproofing contractor like Blackburn Foundation Repair for an inspection. 

The cost to solve basement flooding depends on what’s driving the flooding and the solution needed to keep it from coming back. A leaking crack may require a different repair than a basement that needs an interior drainage and sump pump system. Blackburn Foundation Repair offers free inspections to identify the problem and provide options and pricing. 

A dependable sump pump can help prevent basement flooding by clearing groundwater collected by the drainage system and discharging it away from your home. However, a sump pump works best as part of a complete waterproofing system. The right setup depends on where the water is originating and how much has to be moved. 

Heavy rain can saturate the soil around your home and drive up groundwater levels, adding pressure against and beneath the foundation. Water may then enter through cracks, the wall-floor joint, basement windows or other entry points. Inadequate exterior drainage or an undersized sump pump can worsen the situation. 

Homeowners insurance may cover some forms of basement water damage, but coverage depends on what triggered the flooding and your policy terms. Sudden plumbing failures may be covered, while groundwater or storm flooding may call for a separate policy or rider. Contact your insurance provider to find out what your specific policy covers.