How to Prevent Your Basement From Flooding

Even an inch of water in your basement could cost you thousands of dollars in repair and damaged items. Just consider all that is stored down there—holiday decorations, spare furniture, toys, electronics and more.

Ensure your home and valuables are safe by proactively preparing for heavy rains and melting snow.

Direct Water Away From Your Home

Clean your gutters and downspouts on a regular basis. This is especially important as the fall hits, since leaves commonly cause blockage.

Next, ensure water is directed away from your home. To do this, make sure downspouts extend at least six feet from your basement. If too close to your foundation, they can flood the soil around your home, causing basement cracks and/or overspills.

Keep the Foundation in Check

Cracks in your basement foundation or concrete flooring are prime culprits for flooding. Perform regular inspections of your basement and document any issues discovered. Season changes are a good time to run these checks, as the changes in temperature can cause the water in the soil around your home to expand and shift.

Note that if your basement is finished, you won’t be able to see the cracks themselves. Look instead for “discoloration at the base of the wall, musty smells or puddles on the floor.” If found, contact a crack repair or basement waterproofing expert to advise you on the most effective course of action.

Consider a Backup Sump Pump and Generator

As explained in Popular Mechanics, sump pumps are installed in the lowest corner of your basement in a sump pit. If flooding occurs, the water will drain into the pit, where the pump will then direct it away from your house. If you don’t have one already, It’s a good idea to install one.

Remember, sump pump run on electricity, so they won’t work if your power goes out. If you live in a high-risk area, you may want to also install a generator or purchase a backup battery to keep the pump running 24/7.

Install Water Leak Sensors

Early detection can save you lots of money and headaches. Be proactive with environmental hazard monitoring. Water leak sensors detect accumulation of water caused by cracked or broken water pipes, loose pipe connections, inadequate drainage or flooding.

If excessive water levels are detected, an alarm is triggered to notify you, while a signal is sent to a monitoring center so action can be taken right away.