Whether you’ve been a homeowner for several years or recently bought a new house, you’ve probably encountered some water issues from time to time. While many minor water problems in homes are easily treatable, any form of residential flooding can be extremely damaging to your Buffalo home. Emergency plumbing problems can lead to a wide array of issues – such as mold build-up, foundational problems, and health and safety concerns. As a homeowner, preventing water damage can be one of the most important decisions you make to protect your home and family. Here are some of the most common causes of flooding in homes and how you can avoid them:

Sump pump failure

Sump pump failure is by far one of the most prevalent causes of basement flooding, resulting in either minor or major water damage. A properly functioning sump pump is generally efficient at pumping excess water above the foundation and away from it. However, if the pump fails to keep up with the flow of water due to malfunction or power outages, water can quickly rise above groundwater level past the pump and onto your basement floor. To combat this issue, a regular inspection of your sump pump system is recommended, as well as installation of a back-up sump pump.

Clogged gutters

When gutters become clogged with debris, they are unable to direct water away from the home to keep your basement dry. This can happen often for homes near trees, in which leaves and twigs clog gutters and prevent water from moving off the roof and away from the home. Having your gutters cleaned on a regular basis will ensure they can function properly and keep water flowing off your rooftop.

Defective downspouts

Downspouts, which are pipe-like fixtures connected to your gutters, are designed to redirect water safely away from your home to a designated drain area. Downspouts that are improperly installed or have broken parts may not be able to drain water away from your home. This can cause a build-up of water to form next to your house and eventually enter your basement or seep through cracks in the foundation.

To avoid costly damage to your Buffalo home from residential flooding, it’s critical to utilize the services of a trusted and experience plumbing company. At The Plumber, Heating & Cooling, our Buffalo, NY, insured plumbers can evaluate your needs and implement the best emergency plumbing services. Get in touch to schedule an appointment today.