How to Prevent Basement Flooding

How to Prevent Basement Flooding

The best and most effective way to prevent basement flooding is to first of all waterproof your basement.  Having a waterproofing system in place is your first and best line of defense against basement flooding.  Are there other steps that you can and should take as well?  Absolutely!  Basement flooding can be a devastating event and in Northeast Ohio it is very common for heavy rainfall to occur from time to time.  This article is to help you learn the best ways to keep your basement dry.

Maintain Sump Pump

It is very important to perform routine checks on your sump pump.  Sump pumps do not last forever and as is the case with any small appliance, they can fail mechanically as they age.  Make sure that yours is still pumping properly when water begins to rise in the sump crock.  If you have had past basement flooding, or if your home is susceptible to flooding, you should consider getting a sump pump battery backup system.  Often, storms cause power outages.  Having a battery backup will prevent sump pump failure in the event of a power outage.  Many homeowners choose to install one just for the peace of mind.  Keeping your sump pump in good working order is one of the best things you can do to prevent basement flooding.

Keep Basement Floor Drains Clear

If your home is older or has big trees nearby, you’ll especially want to pay close attention to your basement drains.  Backups are a common cause of basement flooding.  Tree roots can cause blockage in the main line that leaves your home.  A portion of the drain can break and cause a blockage as well.  Heavy rainfalls that temporarily raise the water table can overwhelm drainage systems.  Since the basement is the lowest point in the home, this is normally where a drain line backs up if a blockage occurs.  You can have a plumbing company perform maintenance from time to time by snaking the line as a precautionary measure.  Installing a “backflow preventer” or a “backwater valve” is an effective solution to prevent water or sewage from backing up.  When water tries to flow back into the drain, the valves closes and prevents water from entering.

Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

Prevent basement flooding

If you have read our past blogs, you have probably heard us talk about this one before.  That is because we cannot stress enough how important it is to maintain your downspouts and gutters.  They play an important role in keeping your basement dry.  Your basement can be completely waterproofed, but if your gutters are clogged, your basement is susceptible to flooding.  Make sure to routinely check gutters and downspouts, especially if there are large trees near your home.

Proper Grade

One step you can take to prevent basement flooding is to make sure the soil around your home is graded properly to flow away from the foundation.  For obvious reasons, this preventative measure can help reduce basement moisture from entering.  This is important, but just one aspect of several measures that should be taken.

In Conclusion

As was mentioned, the above suggested maintenance along with basement waterproofing will help keep your basement dry during even the worst storms.  If your basement needs some assistance, feel free to contact us for a free* consultation.  We offer interior basement waterproofing, exterior basement waterproofing, as well as combination systems.  We can help you figure out what is causing your basement problems and fix them for good.

*Free for homeowners

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