Following what has been a brutal and long winter for many Americans, spring is thankfully just around the corner.
But with the new season comes warmer weather, and homeowners might face a new round of risks, such as flooding from snowmelt and spring rains.
AccuWeather Lead Long-Range Expert Paul Pastelok said in a report that he expects flooding to stand out “as one of the most significant weather risks this spring, especially across the nation’s midsection.”
“There will likely be fewer tornadoes and hail reports this spring, especially compared to last spring. Storms with damaging straight-line winds will likely be a more frequent threat,” Pastelok said in the report. “Flooding is the main hazard this spring, especially with the slower-moving storms that are expected.”
Experts say basements are particularly vulnerable to flooding during these weather events.
To put this in context, last year, flooding resulted in $80 billion to $90 billion in total damage and economic loss in the central U.S., according to AccuWeather.
But experts say that with proper preventive measures and by recognizing warning signs, homeowners can avoid costly consequences.
Risks warmer weather brings—particularly basement flooding
Warmer weather introduces rapid snowmelt and heavier rainfall, all of which increase hydrostatic pressure around your foundation, explains Brian Maffioli, owner at Full Swing Plumbing, Heating & Air.
“When the ground becomes oversaturated, water naturally looks for the path of least resistance, which is often foundation walls, floor seams, or basement drains,” he says.
Dean Bennett, residential contractor and president of Dean Bennett Design & Construction, adds that heavy precipitation can wreak havoc on downspouts and gutters, which may have become clogged or detached during the winter.
“This is a problem because water is then not being carried away from the basement,” he says.
Bennett adds that in some parts of the country, snowdrifts may have formed on the north side of certain homes, and these, too, can prevent water from being carried away from a house, allowing seepage into the basement.
Basements are also particularly vulnerable to flooding as drainage systems become more vulnerable in spring.
Jim Criniti, CEO of Zoom Drain Franchise, a drain and sewer inspection and repair company, says melting snow and spring rain can overwhelm drains and sewer systems, especially if they are stressed or damaged by winter conditions such as freezing and thawing.
“When drains and sewer lines are clogged or compromised, basement backups and standing water become much more likely as the system struggles to handle increased flow,” he explains.
In addition, Criniti notes that debris buildup, like leaves, twigs, and dirt, can block storm drains and pipes, making it harder for water to flow freely.
“This can strain basements’ drainage systems, making them a primary point of vulnerability for flooding and backups,” he says.
What your insurance won’t cover
AccuWeather Chief Meteorologist Jonathan Porter tells Realtor.com® that extreme weather is worsening the insurance crisis in the U.S., making insurance more expensive and sometimes more difficult for homeowners to secure, especially in high-risk areas.
“Many Americans have little or no insurance coverage for flooding,” he says. “It’s important that everyone knows the risks where they live and the options they have for flood insurance, especially before the start of hurricane season.”
And according to Angi, cleanup costs for flooded basements can reach “an average of $4,000, with most projects ranging from $2,000 to $7,000,” with “costs varying depending on the level of water contamination, the size of the basement, and the specific restoration needs.”
For flooding with sewage, severe contamination, or floodwater, the costs jump to between $7,000 and $15,000, according to Angi.
To avoid costly cleanups, there are several signs homeowners can look for.
Warren Stroud, owner and founder of Plumbing Outfitters, says indicators to watch for include water stains on the basement wall, an unexplained musty smell, widening cracks in the foundation, and dampness or pooling water in corners.
Another sign to look for, even weeks before you see water creep across your basement floor, is a white powder on your concrete called efflorescence.
“It’s a dead giveaway that moisture is traveling through concrete,” says Scott Flores, earthwork and surfacing contractor, and CEO of paving company Empire PLS.
“You may even notice darker colored concrete 3 to 6 inches up from where the edge of your slab meets the foundation.”
Preventive steps to take now
Thankfully, there are several steps homeowners can take to prevent headaches and financial strain.
For instance, Bennett recommends checking and cleaning out downspouts, gutters, and gutter extensions. Then, give your sump pump a once over.
“The vast majority of sump pumps will have a float valve. Raise the valve to see if the pump turns on. Or, if you are unable to reach the valve, you can run water from a hose into the pump to see if it works,” Bennett advises. “For problems, check connections, the reset button, and the circuit breaker. If those things don’t work, call a plumber or an electrician.”
Next, ensure there is drainage away from the house, not toward it.
“You can check with a level, checking at various spots around the whole house,” Bennett says. “Make sure there is a slope away from the house. If you can’t do this yourself, a good handyman or landscape professional can do this.”
Stroud also suggests that, in addition to testing your pump at least twice a year if you have a flood-prone basement, you may want to invest in a backup sump pump.
Last but certainly not least, Flores recommends reviewing your insurance policy to determine if sewer backup and/or groundwater intrusion are covered.
“Since many homeowner policies exclude groundwater intrusion, you may need to add an endorsement to provide coverage,” he says.