Basement flooding is not an exciting topic, but it’s more common than you’d think. Dealing with the mess and the corresponding bills afterwards can be challenging. Research reveals that fixing a flooded basement usually costs around $4,300 on average. But don’t worry. You can do plenty of things to keep your basement dry and your wallet happy. Here are the top ten tips that will help to keep basement flooding at bay.
- Smart landscaping
The right landscaping know-how can keep your basement high and dry. First, give your trees and shrubs some space, at least 10 feet from your foundation. You don’t want their roots causing trouble with your basement walls or clogging your drainage system. And here’s a pro tip: keep a generous six-inch gap between the mulch and your foundation. This way, water won’t gather around your house but will happily flow away. These landscaping tricks can be your basement’s best friends, saving you from costly repairs and soggy troubles.
- Get a sump pump
Sump pumps are your basement’s new best friend and are crucial to flooding prevention. They hang out in the lowest part of your home, in a sump pit or basement, ready to spring to action. When the pump kicks in, it starts pumping water out of your home and away from the foundation. Imagine it as your basement’s own water evacuation unit. The pump pushes the water through a pipe, carrying it far away from your home and into a storm drain or drainage system.
Regular sump pumps can run on electricity or be plugged into an outlet. They have a handy float that kicks them into gear when the water level in the pits starts rising. But, if you live in a flood-prone area, you’ll want to take your protection game up a notch. That’s where the battery backup sump pump comes in. Unlike your run-of-the-mill sump pump, which relies on electricity, the battery backup version keeps trucking even when the power is out. This way, your basement is still safe and dry even during heavy rains and power outages. That’s the charm of a battery backup sump pump, giving you peace of mind, even in the stormiest weather.
- Don’t neglect your gutters
Your gutter installation can do a terrific job of shielding your home from basement flooding. When it rains, water cascades from your roof into those gutters. The plan is for it to make a smooth exit down the downspout, far away from your home. But if your gutters are clogged or your downspouts are too short, that water can gather around your foundation and sneak into your basement. This can cause several problems. Keep your gutters clean and in good shape to dodge this watery headache. It would help if you gave them a thorough clean at least twice a year. If you’re surrounded by leafy trees, you might want to increase the cleaning frequency. And here’s a bonus tip: consider adding downspout extensions. These handy widgets redirect the water far from your home’s foundation, significantly reducing the risk of basement flooding. Plus, they’ll help spruce up your yard.
- Get your yard sloping right
You can avoid the dreaded basement flooding nightmare by sloping your yard correctly. Grading your lawn is an underrated hero against flooding. It’s all about ensuring rainwater flows far from your home’s foundation, heading straight for a drainage system. This nifty trick helps keep your basement as dry as a bone by stopping water from sneaking through walls or floors. A gentle one, about six inches for every ten feet, should be enough. If you’re unsure about this whole grading business, contact your local pro landscaper to get it done.
- Consider French drains
The French drain is like your silent weapon directing water from your home, usually in the form of a perforated pipe buried in gravel. This pipe collects water from the soil and whisks it away, while the gravel prevents nasty clogs. French drains are your go-to move for preventing basement flooding. They’ll keep water from sneaking into your basement and causing foundation mayhem. They’re also handy for sorting soggy yards and withstanding water issues. When done right, a French drain tackles various water woes easily.
- Seal those foundation cracks
Sealing up those pesky foundation cracks is a basement-saving hack every homeowner should know. Even the tiniest gap can let water sneak in, so it’s time for some waterproofing tips. First, give your foundation and basement walls a good look-over. If you spot any cracks, seal them up with a waterproofing compound. But you can take things a step further by improving your drainage. Keep these gutters clean and debris-free, and ensure downspouts send water away from your precious foundation. These simple steps can protect your basement from damp disasters.
- Assess your window wells
Inspecting your window wells is necessary to keep your basement dry and flood-free. These wells might not get much attention, but they play a critical role in keeping water out, especially during heavy rains or when snow starts to melt. Start by giving them a thorough check. Clear out any debris or fallen leaves that may have piled up. Ensure the well’s drainage system is free-flowing and functioning correctly, allowing water to escape without issues. If you want to take it further, consider installing window well covers. These covers act as barriers, preventing rainwater, leaves, and even pesky critters from getting into the well. Regularly tending to your window well might seem small, but it can greatly shield your basement from flooding.
- Install a backwater valve
A backwater valve is a lifesaver for your home, defending it against sewage and stormwater invasions. The backwater valve sits in your sewer line, letting wastewater flow out but not back in. This useful gadget is crucial because sewage and stormwater can bring unpleasant things you don’t want inside. Keeping that gunk out reduces the risk of water damage and mold growth. Ultimately, if you want to protect your home from the chaos of flooding, get yourself a backwater valve.
- Take good care of your sewer lines and septic tank
A flooded basement is a homeowner’s worst nightmare. Cleaning up that mess is no fun, plus it can wreck your home. But you can prevent basement flooding by keeping your septic tank and sewer lines in good condition. Pump that septic tank when needed to keep it from causing trouble. Also, when you notice any hint of clog in your sewer lines, get them cleaned up. These simple steps can work wonders to stop basement flooding in its tracks.
- Tackle tricky plumbing problems
Addressing plumbing problems is vital, as it can prevent several issues, including basement flooding. A small pipe leak can quickly become a waterfall, and a bit of water can spell major trouble if left alone. When you spot plumbing issues, don’t wait. Call in those plumbing repair experts promptly. It’s like giving your home’s health a check-up and stopping issues before they spiral out of control, all while keeping your basement high and dry.
Basement flooding can lead to several other issues and significantly affect your pocket. Nobody wants that watery mess. However, there are many awesome tips to keep basement flooding at bay. So, remember these tips, put them into action, and you’ll enjoy a dry and flood-free basement. And if you ever feel overwhelmed, reach out to your reliable plumbing pros to ensure a thorough job and value for money.
