As the weather gets warmer and everything is blooming, it is important that you know what to do in order to prevent basement flooding. Rising temperatures and melted snow tend to be the usual culprits, and while there’s little we can do to prevent either, heeding a number of essential tips and tricks can help you protect your home from a potential disaster. Follow these 10 simple steps, and you and your home will be equipped for anything the water throws your way!
Extend Your Rain Gutters
Ensure your drainage pipes or downspouts are extended as far away from your home as possible. In doing so, you’ll keep any water they expel from seeping through to your basement and potentially damaging the foundation.
Beware of Slopes
Grab your umbrella and head outside during the rain to confirm whether or not the grounds surrounding your home slope towards the foundation, or away from it. If you find the grounds do in fact slope towards your home’s foundation, ensure this is remedied to reduce the risk of flooding.
>Absorption is Key
Ensure your lawn is equipped with all the tools it will need to effectively absorb rainwater. These tools can range from planting a garden, shrubs and/or trees to surrounding yourself with porous pavements that can assist with taking in the moisture.
Keep your Eavestroughs Clean
The debris collected by your home’s eavestroughs over the fall and winter can lead to water blockages. Once the snow has cleared, give them a thorough cleaning to ensure they’re able to effectively drain rainwater.
Seal the Cracks
Keep an eye out for any cracks or openings (however small), both inside and outside of your home’s windows, foundation, walls, floors and doors. Be sure to seal any you find to prevent the water from seeping through.
Proper Plumbing
The condition of your home’s indoor plumbing and drainage system can have a direct impact on its foundation. To prevent flooding, ensure your plumbing and drainage systems are in proper working order.
Keep Your Catch Basins Clear
Like eavestroughs, the debris collected by catch basins can keep them from effectively draining water. If you notice any debris blocking the catch basins near your home, exercise the appropriate amount of caution, and remove the item(s).
Install a Sump Pump
If you find that your home is particularly prone to floods, seek the assistance of a qualified plumber, and have him/her install a sump pump. The sump pump can operate as a drain that will keep rainwater from building up in your basement. However, given how much power is required to operate the device, it might be best to consider installing a backup battery-operated system to accommodate any potential power outages.
Invest in an Emergency Generator
It may be prudent to invest in an energy generator, which will provide backup power to your electric appliances in the event of your extended absence. This will prevent you from returning to a flooded basement and/or frozen pipes.
Invest in Insurance
While the methods we provided above will certainly aid in the prevention of basement flooding, they are not guaranteed. To make sure you’re covered should you find yourself with a flooded basement, invest in flood insurance as a precaution. The peace of mind that comes with knowing your home is protected from the worst is priceless!
