Whether it’s fully finished (and furnished) or unfinished Prevent Basement Flooding, one thing’s for certain: you don’t want to see it filled with ankle deep water.
But with spring in full swing, it’s quite common for water to find its way inside in places you don’t want or need it. And while you can’t do anything to avoid or prevent a rainy spring season, knowing the most common causes of basement flooding can help you understand what you can do to prevent it.
During periods of heavy rainfall, for example, flooding can occur due to:
- Poor lot drainage
- Failure of foundation drains
- Rising ground water caused by over-saturated soil
- Clogged, overflowing gutters and downspouts
- Sump pump failure
- Clogged sewers and over-burdened septic systems
Here are 5 precautions you can take to make sure your basement doesn’t become an unplanned indoor wading pool.
Start at the top. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are free of leaves and debris, and position downspouts away from the foundation. A good rule of thumb is to have downspouts extend 3 feet away from your home. Consider adding extensions if necessary.
Get to the bottom of it. As homes settle over time, it’s not uncommon to notice cracks in the foundation and basement walls. Seal any cracks with epoxy or call a masonry professional for help.
Keep unwanted “guests” out. If you have below-grade windows in your basement, install window well covers to keep rain, leaves, and critters from finding their way in.
Pump it up, or out. If you have a portable sump pump, place it in the lowest part of your basement. If it’s a below-grade pump, make sure the well is free of debris. And remember, a sump pump only works if it’s connected to a power source. So if you live in a flood-prone area, consider investing in a generator or a back-up, battery- or water-powered sump pump.
Make sure you’re covered. Since most homeowner insurance policies don’t cover flooding, review your policy and consider purchasing flood insurance if your home is on a flood-prone area.
At Norhio Plumbing, we maintain, repair, and install sump pumps to help keep water out of your basement. If you have one that’s doing an effective job, call us so we can figure out what’s wrong and make the necessary adjustments. Don’t already have a sump pump? We’re here to explain all your options and come up with the right basement protection plan for your home. Contact Norhio Plumbing today, and let us know how we can help.
