Causes And How To Manage Water Seepage And Flooding

Water seepage and flooding is a nightmare for any homeowner. Apart from making the house unusable, floods will certainly ruin your personal belongings. On top of that, it’s a serious health and safety hazard and thus you need to have the problem dealt with immediately.

With the coming of warmer temperature in the summer, this is a common problem that a good number of homeowners in Australia have to deal with. But most homeowners have no idea on how to deal with this problem. 

Main Causes of Flooding and Water Seepage

In this article, we’ll identify the primary cause of water seepage and flooding and how to address them.

Plumbing Leaks

This is one of the main causes of water seeping from the walls. As the plumbing pipes run through the wall, any leak or a burst pipe will cause the water to flow through them. A leaking water tank or a broken hose for your washing machine could also be the reason why the house is flooding. Most of the water seepage is due to the aging of the plumbing system.

Leaking Windows

Leaking windows are often an overlooked cause of indoor flooding, particularly in basements. Improper installation of windows can lead to significant water intrusion, which can cause damage to the interior of your home. This problem is especially pertinent in areas with aluminium and wood-framed windows, as each type has its unique vulnerabilities.

Aluminium Windows

While aluminium is known for its durability and resistance to rust, improper installation can compromise its effectiveness in keeping water out. If the sealant around aluminium windows is not applied correctly or has deteriorated over time, it can allow water to seep through. Additionally, aluminium frames can conduct cold, leading to condensation buildup that might worsen the leaking problem. Regular inspection of the caulking and weather stripping is essential to ensure that these windows remain watertight.

Wood-Framed Windows

Wood, being a naturally porous material, is more susceptible to water damage. If wood-framed windows are not properly sealed or if the sealant has aged, water can penetrate the wood, leading to rot and decay. This not only affects the window’s integrity but can also lead to water leaking into the house. It’s crucial to regularly check wood windows for signs of water damage, such as peeling paint or swollen frames, and to reapply sealant or make repairs as necessary.

Window Wells

In the case of basement windows, one common issue is the filling up of window wells with water during heavy rains. This can happen if the drainage around the window well is poor or clogged. Ensuring that your window wells have adequate drainage and are free from debris is vital in preventing water from pooling and potentially flooding your basement.

To mitigate the risk of window-related flooding, it is important to regularly inspect the condition of all windows in your home. Check for cracks, gaps, or signs of wear in both the frame and the adjacent wall. If you notice any issues, address them promptly to prevent any potential water damage. Regular maintenance, along with proper initial installation, is key to ensuring the longevity and effectiveness of your windows in keeping your home dry and safe.

How To Manage Water Seepage And Flooding

There are different ways through which you can prevent water seepage and flooding but it’s mostly dependent on the cause. Here are simple ways of handling these problems:

Replace the Old Plumbing System

If your plumbing system is decades old and mostly done with metallic pipes, then you need to have it replaced when you notice water seepage. Plumbing maintenance and replacement is a must. You can start with the affected part and then change the entire system with time. For the metallic pipes, they are easily affected by corrosion, and you should at least replace them with plastic (PVC) pipes.

Gutter and Downspouts

Dirty gutters and downspouts are two of the key causes of flooding. You need to make sure that you have them cleaned before the heavy rain to ensure proper collection of water into the drain. Make drain cleaning a habit to ensure that they’re in good condition. If flooding has already occurred, you need to check their condition to ensure that they are cleaned.

Use Window Well Guards

Being a primary cause of water seepage and floods, window wells should be checked. By using window well guards, you can reduce the amount of water forming around this place significantly. This will reduce the possibility of seepage and floods.