Lancaster covers both an older village and a lot of newer development around it, so the housing ranges from century-old to recently built, and the failures split along that line.
In the village it is foundations and old plumbing. In the newer subdivisions it is appliances, supply connections and finished lower levels.
What we deal with in Lancaster homes
Sump systems in the newer stock and foundation seepage in the older, with ice damming affecting both because roof assembly quality varies more than build date suggests.
The village properties also bring the ageing waste line problem, where a cast iron drain finally separates and backs up into the lowest fixture.
How do I know if my basement problem is groundwater or plumbing?
Groundwater arrives at the walls and floor during or after rain and a thaw. Plumbing arrives regardless of weather and usually near a fixture or a line. The timing is the clearest signal.
Is a backup into the basement floor drain contaminated?
Yes, treat it that way. Anything coming up a drain has been in a waste line, so keep people and pets out and do not run a household vacuum through it.