Seepage, Sump or Sewer? Sorting Englewood Basement Water

Start with where the water appears

Pick the line that best matches what you see. If two match, both sources may be involved.

IfWater is coming up through the floor drain, toilet or shower drain, and it is dark or smellsLikely sewer backup. Stop using water in the house, keep people out and call a plumber; check whether neighbors are affected too.
IfWater is spreading from the base of an outside wall during or after rain or snowmeltLikely groundwater or surface water seeping at the cove joint. Check gutters, downspouts and grading outside that wall.
IfWater is pouring in around a basement windowLikely a flooded window well. Clear the well if you safely can and redirect roof water away from it.
IfThe sump pit is full and the pump is not runningPump, float or power failure. Check the breaker and plug, and look for a stuck float.
IfClear water is spreading from near the water heater, washer or a ceilingLikely a supply leak. Shut off the water at the main valve or the appliance and call a plumber.
IfWater is coming under an outside basement doorLikely a clogged stairwell drain. Clear the landing drain once it is safe to do so.

Clue	Sewer backup	Seepage	Supply leak
Color	Gray to brown, may carry solids	Clear to muddy	Clear
Smell	Sewer gas or rotten odor	Earthy or none	None
Weather link	Sometimes during heavy rain	Almost always after rain or melt	None
Where it starts	Lowest drain	Base of exterior walls	Near an appliance or pipe
Stops when	Water use stops or line is cleared	Weather dries out	Water is shut off
Usual first call	Plumber or sewer utility	Gutter, grading or drainage contractor	Plumber

Time you first noticed the water and roughly how deep it was.
A short video showing where it enters and how it moves.
The weather in the previous day: rain, snowmelt, a big storm or nothing.
Whether any neighbors had water at the same time.
Whether the sump pump, if any, was running, and whether the power had flickered.
Color and smell of the water.

General information for Englewood, not a quote or professional advice. In an emergency, call 911.