Spring is the season for a refresh and some cleaning. It’s also the time to give your basement a checkup. Let’s explore these top tips for spring basement maintenance.
Check Your Sump Pump
Living in a flood-prone area puts your home at risk during the spring when the rain is aplenty, and the snow from winter is melting. A sump pump is a vital tool for keeping your basement dry.
When the April showers begin to fall, you don’t want the pump to fail, leaving you stuck with a basement full of water and a major clean-up. Regular maintenance and inspections will ensure the sump pump and backup pump are working correctly.
Check the pumps regularly for debris as it can become stuck in your pump. Look for signs of wear and tear, then repair or replace quickly after noticing the potential issue.
Check Your Gutters
Twigs and leaves can quickly fill up gutters, preventing water from draining correctly. The puddles that form will find a way into your basement as the water tries to find any way to escape. Regularly cleaning out your gutters means avoiding backups and keeping the excess water from making its way into your home.
It’s best to clean out your gutters during fall after the last leaves have fallen, and again when the weather warms up.
Check for Wall Cracks
Water will begin to seep through any cracks in your basement walls or floors. Look at the top and bottom of the walls, as this is where you’ll typically find gaps. Carefully look every inch of the wall over because cracks can be tiny. Use a flashlight if the lighting in your basement is dim.
A tiny crack can cause significant damage and grow over time. Catching these issues early will help prevent more significant problems over time
Check Your Insulation
Insulation is what helps keep your home comfortable during the changing spring temperatures. It also cuts back on moisture issues, meaning less worry about mold-related problems popping up in your basement. That’s why it makes sense to have your basement insulated in the first place.
Staying on top of these tips for spring basement maintenance could mean the difference between a dry and flooded room this year. Refer back to this checklist each year when the spring season rolls around.
