Your basement is a vital part of your home. Whether you use it as a living area or for storage, you need to make sure it remains free of flood waters to protect your belongings and your family. Because basements are below ground level, it’s possible for them to flood. Fortunately, there are ways to prevent flooding in your basement.
Install Two Sump Pumps
You’ll want to install a sump pump in your basement to remove water that could possibly get into your basement. This is typically installed in the floor in the lowest spot of your basement and is usually operated though electricity so it will automatically turn on when needed.
There is the possibility of your sump pump failing, so it’s recommended you have at least two. If one does fail, the backup sump pump can turn on and take over. Some people will purchase a generator to run the sump pumps in case the electricity is out. Others may want to purchase a battery-operated sump pump as the backup one in case the electricity goes out.
Make Sure Your Lawn is Graded Properly
Your lawn should slope away from your home. This can be gradual and difficult to notice, but there is an easy way to check the grading. When it’s raining outside, take a look and see if any water is pooling close to your home. If it does pool close to your home, the lawn is not graded properly and you will want to have it fixed by a landscaper.
Fill any Cracks in the Foundation
With time, every home is going to settle a little bit. This can cause cracks in the foundation that may not be much of a worry because they don’t actually impact the foundation’s strength. However, they can enable water to get into the foundation and then your home. If you notice any cracks, even if they’re not impacting the foundation, have them filled so water cannot seep into your basement.
Divert Rain Spouts Away from Your Home
The rain spouts carry water from your gutters away from your home. If they aren’t extended far enough or they’re not pointed in the right direction, it’s possible for water to pool near your home during heavy rainstorms.
Extend your rain spouts and ensure they’re pointed in a direction that helps the water flow further away from your home. That helps ensure it doesn’t pool next to the home and get into your basement. This helps protect your foundation from excess water damage as well, so it’s a step you won’t want to skip.
Clean Your Gutters Regularly
Even if your rain spouts divert water properly, they’re not going to be useful if they are clogged and the water spills over the sides of the gutters instead of going down the rain spouts. At least twice a year, in the spring and the fall, make sure you thoroughly clean out the gutters to remove any debris.
If you have trees close to your home, it might be a good idea to clean out your gutters three or four times a year to help ensure they do not get too full from the leaves. You should test your gutters with a hose to ensure water can move freely through them and that it will be diverted away from your home. Make sure you fix any damage to the gutters as well so they’ll work properly.
Maintain Your Plumbing and Waste Systems
While the biggest threat of flooding to your basement might be because of rainwater, there’s always a chance you will have a leaking pipe or your sewage will become backed up. Make sure you keep an eye on your entire plumbing system and contact a professional if you notice anything that’s not working properly or that’s starting to leak so it can be fixed before it causes flooding in your home.
Also, keep an eye on the storm drains near your home. The city should keep them maintained for you, but if you notice they’re not working properly, you may want to give the city a call so they can be cleaned out. Failing to do this could stop the water from being able to move freely away from your home and could cause flooding on your lawn and in your home.
You shouldn’t have to worry about your basement flooding, but it is a possibility that you should be aware of. Taking the steps above can help you significantly reduce the chance of your basement flooding and help you protect your belongings and your home.
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