Things to do to Ensure your Home’s Basement Doesn’t Flood

Basement flooding is a serious problem homeowners must prepare for. If you live in a wetter climate, you know how common it is to have damp or musty basements. Flooding can damage appliances, cause electrical problems and spark the growth of dangerous mold. It can even damage the foundation of the home and cause structural problems over time if the issue is not addressed. Homeowners can do several things to ensure the basement does not flood.

Maintain Gutters and Downspouts

The purpose of gutters and downspouts is to direct water away from the home and basement. Clogged gutters, broken gutters and misaligned downspouts can all allow rainwater to reach the foundation and to potentially flood the basement. This is why it is important to inspect and maintain gutters every season. Simple repairs or repositioning the bottom of a downspout can prevent some basement flooding and help divert water away from the home’s foundation.

Protect Window Wells

Basement window wells are particularly vulnerable to flooding. This could be due to accumulated rainwater, melting snow or other events. There are two ways to protect window wells. The first is to install covers that stop water from entering the well. The second is to attach a drainage system so water is diverted out of the well or sent to a sump pump. If water does start accumulating in the window well, it’s important to solve the problem and get the water out before it starts seeping into the basement.

Install a Sump Pump

A sump pump is a device that can draw water out of a basement and into a drainage system where it leaves the house. A sump pump will protect a basement from flooding. Most pumps activate automatically as soon as water starts to accumulate in the basement. If you don’t currently have a sump pump, you can have a company like Aquateck Ltd in Edmonton come install one. Sump pumps can prevent damage to the basement and stop water from accumulating.

Keep the Property Graded Correctly

One of the main causes of basement flooding is an incorrectly graded property. If the ground outside the basement is even slightly angled towards the home, then it needs to be re-graded. This is especially important if you live in a flood zone or an area that is prone to heavy rain. The slight angle will send all water hitting the ground towards the basement. Re-grading the ground usually requires help from professionals.

Install a Backwater Valve

The municipal water system is sometimes the cause of flooding in older homes. Sewers can back up and send dirty water directly into a basement through the plumbing. A backwater valve is a device that immediately closes a valve as soon as water starts to flow in the wrong direction. A simple backwater valve can protect a basement from flooding due to sewer problems.

Homeowners need to do everything possible to prevent water from reaching the basement. Home maintenance plays a large role in stopping potential flooding. This is just part of what should be done. It is also important to be prepared if flooding does occur by installing a sump pump in the basement.