How To Prevent Basement Flooding
Returning from vacation or even a day at work can quickly turn into a nightmare if you discover your basement has flooded in your absence. Anything from a broken pipe to excessive amounts of rain can cause flooding. Luckily, there are ways to help prevent this nightmare from becoming your reality.
Gutters and Downspouts
In the event of heavy rain, it’s your gutters are going to help keep your basement dry. Make sure you’re cleaning your gutters every spring and fall. Clogged gutters don’t drain correctly and will dump water directly onto your foundation. Over time, heavy rains will soak through your foundation and into your basement.
Along with clean gutters, downspouts can also help keep you prevent basement flooding. Downspouts should direct water at least three feet away from your foundation. You may also need additional extensions or troughs to achieve this distance.
Landscaping and Grading
If you have flowerbeds or other landscaping around your home, it is a good idea to leave a gap or barrier between them and your home. Mulch and soil retain water that can eventually find its way into your basement.
Your yard also plays an important role in preventing basement flooding. The slope of your yard could allow water to pool around your foundation, eventually allowing water to seep in. Depending on the grade, or slope, of your yard, you may need to regrade your lawn or even install drains.
Window Well Covers and Foundation
If you have basement windows that are below-grade, you’ll want to install window well covers. When fastened securely to your home’s foundation over the windows, the covers will help to waterproof your basement and prevent it from flooding.
However, you also need your foundation to be in good condition. While installing window well covers, check over your foundation. If you find any cracks, be sure to repair them as soon as possible. Water will always find the path of least resistance, and windows and foundation cracks are an open invitation to water.
Sewer and Septic
Clogs, sewer backups, and overflows can wreak havoc on your basement. When was the last time you had your sewer inspected or your septic tank cleaned? Proper maintenance will ensure that these systems are running smoothly and keeping not only water- but wastewater- out of your basement.
What happens if your basement floods?
Unfortunately, not every plan is foolproof. In the event your basement does flood, make sure to call in the experts as soon as possible. The quicker they can assess the situation and get your basement dried out, the less likely further damage- like a mold infestation- will be able to occur. You can contact Thomas’ Carpet Cleaning and Restoration Services anytime to fill out a Service Request!
