Do you want to prevent basement flooding?
With spring just around the corner, there are so many things to look forward to. Bright sunlight, blooming flowers, and chirping of the birds are just a few of the several things to love about the spring season. However, one thing that one dreads even talking about is basement flooding. If you have experienced basement flooding in the past, the following tips will help you prevent it from happening again.
Check Your Gutters
Chocked gutters and downspouts are a few of the many reasons behind basement flooding. To avoid this issue, make sure to remove all the debris near your gutters. Also, the downspouts should be situated at least 3 feet away from the foundation. Even if it rains, the distant downspouts will make rainwater flow far away from your home. To make things easy for you, consider using troughs or extensions.
Eliminate Foundation Cracks
Choked gutters aren’t the only perpetrators behind basement flooding. Foundation cracks are just as bad. As a responsible homeowner, make sure to inspect your basement’s walls and floors for any cracks. If you find a crack or two, use high-quality epoxy to fill them up. You can even resort to a heavy-duty indoor masonry sealer. If dealing with these cracks is hard for you, it’s better to contact professionals like the ones we have at STOP.
Sewers and Septic Tanks
Chances are that you haven’t cleaned your septic tanks and sewers in a long time. Well, spring might be the right time to get this done with. Because of prolonged and heavy rainfall, sewers and septic tanks can get clogged. Clogged septic tanks and sewers must be maintained regularly to minimize the chances of basement flooding.
Install Window Well Covers
One of the easiest ways for rainwater to enter the basement is through the basement windows. In case you have substandard basement windows, consider investing in high-quality window well covers. These covers should fasten well to the foundation of your house. Clear acrylic covers keep out water, debris, and pests while allowing sunlight to enter.
Sump Pumps
One of the best ways to prevent basement flooding is to take the utmost care of your sump pump. In case you have a substandard sump pump, its well should remain free of all forms of debris. If your sump pump is a portable one, it should be placed in the lowest part of the basement. Make sure the sump pump is well connected to a power source.
A flooded basement is not only difficult to deal with, but it also opens the doors to bigger problems like mold and mildew growth. These contaminants, besides jeopardizing the structural integrity of your house, are detrimental to human health. To avoid such unpleasant happenings, make sure not to skimp on any of the tips mentioned above.
