How to Prevent a Nasty Basement Flood
As many people have found out from the recent superstorm Sandy, serious basement flooding is no laughing matter. When water gets into your basement, it causes a lot of financial and emotional stress, and in extreme cases can alter your life. And while there isn’t a lot you can do if a megastorm comes calling, you can prevent basement flooding from regular heavy rain or melting snow if you follow some basic guidelines.
Seal Up Holes
Holes and cracks in the foundation of a home are some of the primary culprits when it comes to basement leaks and flooding during storms. It’s important to have a proper home inspection when you first purchase a home, and also have the foundation checked for problems if you’ve been living in your house for a while.
Basement windows are another area where water may get in, especially if they have older wooden frames that have rotted. If you have older basement windows, consider an upgrade to vinyl or aluminum to keep water out.
Clean Those Gutters
Gutters and downspouts have a tendency to accumulate leaves and dirt and other debris that will plug them up and possible contribute to a flooded basement. Take the time to clean them out at least once a year to prevent any problems before they happen. Also, take a look around your house for any dense brush that may help water pool, and remove it if you have any.
Check the Slope
Keeping water away from the foundation of your house is crucial, which is why it is important for the ground to slope away from the house for at least a few feet. When the ground slopes slightly away from the foundation, the water will run away from the foundation during storms and help keep your basement dry. Sometimes, re-grading is necessary if the ground currently leans toward the house.
Consider a Sump Pump
Keeping a sump pump handy won’t really prevent a flooded basement, but it will help you get rid of any that may get in. If you live in an area that gets a lot of rain, or if you’ve had problems with a flooded basement before, a sump pump might help.
Have You Had a Plumbing Inspection?
Having a quality home plumbing inspection is a great way to make sure everything in your plumbing system is up to code and working properly. Sometimes, a home will have major problems just waiting to happen and an inspection can literally save the day.
A qualified plumber like ExpressRooter can help you avoid a nasty basement flood that could cause serious damage to your home. Call us today to schedule an appointment and one of our experts will evaluate your plumbing system and make recommendations to prevent flooding.
