When most people think of spring, they think of trees flowering, birds chirping, and the unmistakable scent of freshly cut grass. And while these are all quintessential signs, there is another, less pleasant, indication that spring has officially sprung – Wet Basement Problems flooding.
You see, as the ground begins to thaw and springtime rain makes its annual appearance, homes everywhere are put at risk for flooding. But this year, instead of leaving your home vulnerable to water damage and costly cleanup, take a proactive approach and protect yourself by following these tips.
Understand your homeowner’s insurance policy. You might be surprised to learn that most insurance policies don’t cover damage to your home caused by spring-thaw flooding, unless you carry flood insurance.
Safeguard your possessions. If your basement is prone to flooding, make sure your valuables are protected. Elevate furniture and store priceless belongings and important documents in a deposit box or waterproof safe. You might also want to make a video or photo inventory of your possessions, should the need to file a claim ever arise.
Fix even the smallest of leaks right away. Cracks around windows and in foundation walls – as wells as damaged roof shingles and siding – allow water to get into your home which can weaken its structure and provide a perfect environment for mold.
Keep gutters and drains clear. Make sure gutters are free of leaves, twigs, and other debris and down spouts point at least 3 feet away from your home. Also check storm drains to make sure that they are not blocked so that water does not collect on your street and potentially back up onto your property.
Protect basement windows. First, seal or caulk any cracks or gaps around basement window frames. Then, install inexpensive window well covers to help keep water from entering your home. Just be sure to check with your local building code official, as some towns prohibit window well covers if they prevent someone from exiting the basement through the window in the event of an emergency.
Consider installing a French drain. If you have a perpetually soggy yard or wet basement, perhaps you could benefit from a French drain. This slightly sloped, gravel filled trench provides an easy channel for water to flow through, away from your home. Though not inexpensive, averaging between $3,000 and $12,000 depending on the property and severity of the problem, it might prove to be a worthwhile investment.
Another way to keep spring flooding at bay is with a combination main sump and back-up sump pump from Norhio Plumbing. Remember: main sump pumps run on electricity, so if there’s a power outage to accompany a spring storm, the pump will shut off until power is restored. But with a back-up sump – either water- or battery-powered – to kick in when automatically if and when the main sump shuts off for any reason, your home will have the extra protection it needs to keep water out of your basement. Contact Norhio Plumbing for more information or a custom quote
