Struggling with basement water damage? Here is what you need to do.
Regardless of whether it is a house, hospital, school or any other structure, extra storage space is a necessity. Basements serve as perfect storage spaces for electrical appliances, old furniture, boxes and toys. Most regrettably, the items kept in the basement are highly prone to water damage. Insurance surveys have shown that floods are the most common of all natural calamities in the US and over 3 billion cases are reported each year.
Snowmelts, heavy rains, sewer backups, clogged gutters, sump pump failures, cracked foundations and burst pipes are some common causes of basement flooding. If you are experiencing water damage in your basement, the following tips will help you along the way.
Basement Water Damage: Prevention Tips
Here are some easy ways to prevent basement water damage.
Cleaning Downspouts and Gutters
Clogged gutters and downspouts are the number one cause of basement water damage and flooding. Gutters and downspouts tend to get clogged with debris, thus keeping water from flowing freely through them. By cleaning your downspouts and gutters regularly, you can minimize the possibility of water accumulating in the basement.
Fixing Cracked Foundation
Another cause of basement water damage is a cracked foundation. If the foundation is cracked rainwater can seep in and cause damage. However, fixing foundation cracks is easy. All you need is some high-quality epoxy, and sometimes a masonry sealer. If the cracks are too hard to fix, hiring a professional is always an option.
Window Well Covers
It is not uncommon for basement window wells to fill with water. The easiest way to get rid of this problem is by installing a clear window well cover. Despite allowing some of the sunlight in, these covers are relatively inexpensive and keep rainwater out, thus minimizing the chances of basement flooding.
Regular Inspection
Dirty sewers and septic tanks are another cause of basement water damage. To avoid the issue, these should be inspected and cleaned regularly.
Pipe Insulation
You may not know but frozen pipes can be very detrimental to your basement. Therefore, the building temperatures should be kept high enough, so the pipes do not freeze. Also, for your convenience, make sure to have your plumbing insulated at all times.
Install One Way Float Valve
If you want to keep water from backing up from the floor drain, make sure to install a one-way float valve. These valves can be easily found at any home improvement store and are usually very inexpensive.
Install Water Sensors
The easiest way to prevent basement water damage is to invest in a water sensor. Such devices alert the building occupants if water accumulation has taken place.
The aforementioned tips will enable you to prevent basement water damage.
