High Water Table: The 5 Ways Your Property Can Be Affected

7/13/2022 (Permalink)

The professionals at SERVPRO are available 24/7 for emergency water damage services!

High water tables are a common problem for property owners in Georgia.

The professionals at SERVPRO of South Cobb have recently received numerous water damage calls caused by high water tables. Therefore, we put this blog post together to help customers facing similar problems with their properties.

Knowing how they affect your property is essential if you live in an area prone to high water tables. This blog post will discuss five ways a high water table can cause water damage. Keep reading for more information.

What is a water table?

A water table is an upper level to which water will naturally rise in an unconfined aquifer. The water table is important because it's the source of groundwater. When the water table is high, there's a lot of water in the ground leading to problems for property owners.

Signs of a high water table

If you're experiencing water damage and aren't sure if it's related to a high water table, there are a few ways to determine if that's the case. Here are three methods:

1. Look at your property's elevation map: If you have an elevation map, you can use it to see if it is in an area prone to high water tables. If you don't have an elevation map, you can find one online or at your local zoning office.
2. Check for water in your basement or crawl space: If you have a basement or crawl space, water damage will be more likely to occur if the water table is high. Water can enter through cracks in the foundation or walls, causing severe damage.
3. Look for saturated areas on your property: If there are any low-lying areas on your property that are constantly wet or have standing water, it could be a sign of a high water table.

The five ways high water tables can cause damage

Now that we've gone over what a water table is and how to tell if you have a high one, let's discuss the five ways high water tables can damage a property.

1) Flooding

Flooding is the most obvious way high water tables can cause damage. If the water table is high, there's a greater chance that your property will experience flooding. Flooding can damage your home's foundation, ruin personal belongings, and lead to mold growth.

2) Basement leaks

High water tables can also cause basement leaks. If the water table is high, water can seep through cracks in the foundation and walls, causing leaks. These leaks can damage the structure of your home and lead to mold growth.

3) Soil erosion

When the water table is high, it can cause soil erosion. Soil erosion is when the water washes away the soil around your property, causing the foundation to become unstable, leading to severe damage to your home.

4) Septic tank problems

High water tables can also cause septic tank problems. If the water table is high, it can pressure the septic tank, causing it to leak or even collapse. 

5) Humidity issues

High water tables can also cause humidity issues. When the water table is high, it can increase the humidity in your home, leading to mold and mildew growth.

What to do if you experience water damage caused by a high water table?

Taking immediate action is essential if you experience water damage caused by a high water table. Here are five steps you should take:

Step 1. Contact a professional

If you're experiencing water damage, it's essential to contact a professional right away. The proper professional can assess the damage and recommend the best course of action.

Step 2. Stop the water source

If you can identify the source of the water, it's essential to stop it immediately. Identifying the source will help prevent further damage.

Step 3. Remove the water

Once you've stopped the water source, you'll need to remove the water from your property. 

Step 4. Dry the area

Once you've removed the water, you'll need to dry the area as soon as possible. Restoration technology like dehumidifiers and air movers is the best way to dry wet property thoroughly.

Step 5. Clean and disinfect the area

Once the area is dry, it's essential to clean and disinfect it to prevent mold and mildew growth.

High water tables can cause a lot of damage to your property, and these steps can help prevent further damage and keep your property in good condition.

How SERVPRO of South Cobb can help

We hope you enjoyed learning about high water tables and found the information provided in this blog post helpful. If you are dealing with water damage caused by a high water table, SERVPRO of South Cobb is here to help. We're a professional water damage restoration company with the certifications and experience to get the job done right. When you choose to contact us for water damage services, we will:

• Assess the damage and recommend the best course of action
• Stop the water source.
• Remove the water
• Dry the area
• Clean and disinfect the area.

We understand how overwhelming it can be to deal with water damage. That's why we're available 24/7, so don't hesitate to contact us. We're always here to help!