Ways to Prevent Basement Flooding
Rain, rain, go away, the basement’s flooded and it’s not okay!
El Nino conditions have brought on the rainy season a bit sooner than usual. With that, flooding becomes a greater concern. Many people have issues with basement flooding after a storm. Luckily, there are some measures you can do to prevent water getting into your home. Many of these you can do yourself!
Cleaning Gutters
Keep your gutters and spouts clean from leaves and other debris. This will allow for the water to flow away from the house. Try to divert the water at least 3 feet away. In order to do this, you may have to get extensions or create a trough. PVC pipes are a great DIY way to get the water from your gutters away from your home.
Window Well Covers
If your basement windows are below-grade, consider getting window well covers. They are plastic coverings that will prevent water, and other critters, from entering window wells. They are relatively inexpensive and still allow light to enter.
Foundation
Check your foundation for any cracks. If you find a small crack, you may be able to fill it in by yourself. However, if the problem is more serious, you may need to call in a professional.
Sump Pumps
If you have a sump pump, make sure that it’s free from dirt and debris so it can do its job. If you do not have one, you can get one installed in your basement, or you can get portable ones as well. However, these are not necessary, but can be useful if you experience consistent flooding. Place the pump at the lowest point in your basement. You can also get a generator for a backup source of energy if you lost power during a storm.
Ground Slope
Check the ground around your house. If the ground slopes downwards towards your house, then you’re more likely to experience flooding. If possible, try to slope the ground away from your house.
Shrubs and Greenery
The more plants you have on your lawn, the less likely it is for flooding to occur. Plants will absorb some water from rainfall. If you have plants and mulch against the side of your house, you’ll want to have a 6 inch gap between the mulch and your home. Mulch will absorb water and draw it closer to the house. Having a small gap will help to ensure that the water stays away.
Septic Tanks
The start of spring is a great time to get your septic tank cleaned. After prolonged periods of time and excessive rainfall, you wouldn’t want an issue with your tank.
Insurance
Though you may take measures to prevent basement flooding, sometimes it’s unavoidable. Make sure that you have proper insurance coverage in case disaster strikes. Talk to your agent to make sure you are protected in case your basement floods. Floods are not covered under your homeowners’ insurance policy, so make sure you have a policy that fits your needs.
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