Lexington Basement Flooding Cleanup, Wall to Slab

Why Lexington Basements Flood

• Karst runoff. The Kentucky Geological Survey describes how sinkholes and underground channels can't carry off the water from an unusually heavy storm, so low-lying areas flood. The Survey adds that development makes the problem worse.
• Swelling soils. The Survey's Fayette County planning notes describe clay soils that swell when soaked by percolation, drains, sprinklers or leaking water and sewer lines. That can push on foundations.
• Seepage. Wet basements and crawl spaces are among the hazards the Survey lists for the county.
• Equipment. A sump that fails, a discharge line that freezes or a backflow at the floor drain.

Our Basement Process

1. Pump out standing water and extract carpet.
2. Find the entry point: wall crack, cove joint, window well, floor drain or plumbing.
3. Take moisture readings on drywall, framing, and the slab.
4. Cut drywall above the wet line and remove pad and insulation that can't dry.
5. Run dehumidifiers and air movers until readings match dry reference areas.
6. Rebuild walls and floors after the cause is fixed.

If water came up through the floor drain, it's sewage, and we follow our sewage cleanup steps for Lexington instead.

Ways to Cut the Risk

• Keep downspouts discharging well away from the foundation.
• Test the sump before spring storms and consider a battery backup.
• Grade soil so it slopes away from the house.
• If you're buying, the Survey suggests checking topographic maps, looking for signs of past water damage and asking neighbors about flooding.

Our Lexington water damage team also handles burst pipes and appliance leaks.