How to Prevent Basement Flooding: A Step-by-Step Guide
Many people know that living on the coast or edge of a body of water can lead to problems like flooded homes. However, severe storms can cause flooding in homes everywhere. Even small storms can make a significant impact if you’re not careful.
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Basements are one of the places that are most susceptible to flooding in your home. Since many people don’t visit them often, it’s easy to let small issues become big problems over the years. That’s why All Dry USA is here to help you prevent basement flooding with our handy step-by-step guide.
1) Inspect Your Yard
You can’t get a solution if you don’t know what the underlying problems are. The next time it rains, take a walk around your yard. There shouldn’t be any pools of surface water around your foundation. It should channel safely away from your home.
If this isn’t the case, that means there is an issue with your drainage system. You may be able to diagnose the problems after inspecting your yard. Keep in mind you won’t be able to prevent basement flooding from your exterior alone.
2) Fix Your Gutters
Cleaning the gutters is one of those chores that nobody wants to do. However, it’s a necessary step if you’re going to protect yourself from basement floods. These drainage systems redirect water falling from your roof safely away from your house. Springtime is the perfect time to clean a clogged gutter, as well as autumn after all the leaves fall.
Check that your downspouts are also properly faced away from your foundation. The water should drain at least three feet away. You may need to run troughs or other extensions from your downspout to achieve the proper distance.
3) Cover the Basement Windows
Below-grade windows can cause water to pool in the recess surrounding it. The window well drain is also easily clogged with debris. This can lead to leaks and cracks from the water pressure, resulting in basement floods.
The easiest fix is a simple, clear window-well cover. These plastic bubbles protect your drain from clogging or overflowing. You can purchase them from the hardware store, or commission one made specifically for your window.
Read more: water removal from basement
4) Patch the Cracks
Notice any cracks in the basement walls that weren’t there before? Now’s the time to get them fixed because these cracks can get bigger and lead to basement floods. You can patch these up yourself, but make sure you get the correct tools that will give you a permanent fix.
Epoxy injection kits from the hardware store mean you can do it yourself. Any cracks within the interior of your foundation walls must be sealed with a masonry coating. Of course, if the foundation is beyond your skill, hire a professional to do it for you.
5) Maintain Your Sump Pump
A sump pump is an essential tool for keeping any basement dry. If you already have one installed, though, you should ensure you work to maintain it. Broken sump pumps are the most frequent cause of basement floods.
Even if you have homeowner’s insurance during a flood, some plans won’t cover water damage attributed to this issue. Always check if your pump is clean, plugged in, and working correctly before any significant storm. It should also have a working check valve that keeps water from flowing back into the machine.
Take note of when you should replace the system entirely to keep your basement dry. When it’s time to invest in a new one, look out for pit size, depth, slope, and construction material. Sump pumps that are too small break easily because they have to run more often.
Read more: How to clean your sump pump
6) Keep Back Ups
You may also want to consider investing in a backup generator to serve as an additional power source. This will keep your electricity, heat, pump, and septic tank running during an electrical outage. If these systems don’t continue to run in a storm, you’re risking your basement flooding.
7) Inspect Sewer Systems
Stopping basement floods in their tracks is important, but cleaning out your tank and floor drain is a necessary job in its own right. Without regular cleaning, your drainage systems are sure to clog and create a massive mess in your home. A professional can assess whether you’ll need a simple cleaning or a more extensive fix.
Monitoring what goes into your toilet is the best way to prevent a backup. Biodegradable toilet paper and human waste are the only things you should put in your toilet. Trash, baby wipes, and paper towels are just a few examples of things that you should never flush. Even if the packaging says “flushable,” these products can still clog your drains over time.
Read more: How to unclog a basement floor drain
8) Water the Lawn Properly
Lawn maintenance is essential for keeping your home exterior looking spic and span. Unfortunately, not many realize that overwatering the lawn can lead to basement water problems. Research the recommended amount of water for your plants, and consider doing it less frequently.
Your sprinkler placement also contributes to this issue. The water from your sprinklers should not hit your foundation. Reposition them, so they steer clear of your house and program them, so they don’t water the lawn unnecessarily.
In Conclusion
The best way to protect your home from extensive damage is to be proactive. You should be inspecting your basement floor, walls, and exterior just as often as any other room in your house. Using this post as your guide, you’ll never fail to catch an issue before your basement floods.
If you do encounter basement water problems, All Dry USA offers comprehensive solutions. Our expert team is trained to handle extensive water damage. Whether you need a leak fixed or full-on mold-remediation, you can rest assured we’ll leave your home more protected than ever before. For more information, contact us today.
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With Ben’s knowledge, and visionary leadership, All Dry USA has expanded into a national, full-service property damage restoration company with multiple locations across the United States. Ben holds numerous specialty licenses and certifications in restoration and construction.
