Owner`s manual

Avoiding Groundwater Damage to Homes
REMEDIES FOR HOMEOWNERS
Groundwater flooding can cause
many problems for homeowners.
Structural damage, sewer
system back-ups and damaged
appliances are three of the most
distressing consequences.
Fortunately, there are some
remedies. They vary in scope,
expense and results, just as
homeowners vary in their
expectations and resources.
CONSIDER YOUR RESOURCES
Sound advice should be your first priority when groundwater flooding is a
problem. Expertise can come from a variety of sources.
® Local resources include your local emergency government office,
building inspectors, insurance agents (if you have appropriate
insurance), county Extension agents and the Home Builders
Association. All have access to technical assistance, publications and
possible sources of financial aid.
® Financial assistance may be available through your local emergency
government office. This may also include temporary housing and
crisis counseling.
a) Grants and low-interest loans may be available in cases of
regional disasters.
b) Check with your insurance agent to determine whether your
homeowner's insurance covers any of the damages. Groundwater,
surface water and floodwater damages usually are not covered by
homeowner's insurance. Your agent may have a rider available for
groundwater flooding. Homes located in floodplains subject to
surface water flooding are eligible for federal flood insurance.
® Contractors can help you determine the nature and extent of your
damages and what remediation options are appropriate for your
situation.
a) A waterproofing contractor may be able to correct the problem if
you simply need to stop minor nuisance flooding.
b) A general contractor may be necessary if you have damages to
your home and need more substantial repairs and corrective
measures. General contractors can arrange for the services of
various specialists. (See the fact sheet, "Hiring a Contractor After
a Disaster," for more information.)
YOUR OPTIONS
The severity and frequency of groundwater flooding will in part dictate the
best solution. The following options parallel increasing severity of
groundwater flooding:
® Raising appliances, furniture and fixtures. In cases where groundwater
flooding is a minor nuisance that amounts to little more than wet
walls and small streams across the basement floor to a drain, solutions
may include:
University of Wisconsin-Extension • Cooperative Extension FLOOD-CLEAN-UP/REPAIR
more information