Basement flooding is a lot more than inconvenient. It’s highly destructive to your property and belongings. Not to mention, it’s very expensive to fix.
So then, why is it so common? Why aren’t more homeowners doing what they can to prevent this issue?
Usually, it’s because no one has told them how to prevent basement flooding. If you fall into this category, we can help.
First, rest assured that basement flooding prevention is 100% possible. And below, you’ll find the 9 most important steps you can take to avoid this catastrophe. Read this guide to learn all you need to know.
1. Use a Dehumidifier
First, assess how humid your basement is. Basement humidity can condense into water droplets, which then collect into pools. Given enough time, this excess moisture causes water damage.
If this is a problem in your basement, get a dehumidifier and a hygrometer. Use the hygrometer to monitor the level of humidity in the room.
The ideal humidity level for indoor air is between 30% and 50%. If your hygrometer ever reads higher than 50%, run your dehumidifier.
You can use your home’s air conditioner to dehumidify the air as well. So run the AC if it’s warm enough inside (and if the AC is connected to your basement).
2. Take Care of Your Gutters
Aside from indoor humidity and plumbing leaks, there’s one main cause of basement flooding. Namely, it happens when precipitation collects/flows too close to the base of your house.
One way to prevent this is through proper gutter maintenance. You see, when your gutter becomes clogged or damaged, water spills over the side.
The water then collects next to your home’s foundation. It may then seep into your basement through foundation cracks.
To prevent this, clean out your gutters throughout the year (at least twice per year). Get damaged or leaky gutters fixed right away. Also, de-ice your gutters as needed.
3. Use Gutter Extensions
Even when your gutters are in perfect repair, they may do a bad job of directing water away from your foundation. Next time it rains, take note of where the water ends up once it comes out of your downspouts.
Does the water pool around the base of your home or does it flow away from the house? If it remains next to your home, you need a better drainage system.
One simple option is to install downspout extensions. However, depending on the layout of your property, this might not be possible. In this case, you’ll want to install PVC drainpipes underground.
4. Slope Your Yard
Furthermore, you may have a yard that slopes downward toward your home. If so, water will always flow toward your home every time it rains. Fix this by landscaping your yard so that it slopes away from your foundation.
5. Install Alternative Drainage Systems
Landscaping isn’t always an option. For instance, you may have a large hill sloping toward your home.
In this case, you can install a drainage system near your home’s foundation to divert the water. Popular options include French drains and swale drains.
A French drain uses a perforated pipe buried under gravel to redirect rainwater. A swale drain is almost like a moat. It’s a wide trench for water to flow into so that it doesn’t flow too close to your house.
6. Seal Wall/Foundation Cracks
The steps above will significantly reduce the amount of moisture near your foundation. But there’s no way to eliminate this moisture completely.
Thus, it’s imperative that you seal any cracks in your foundation. This includes any cracks in your basement walls and floor. You should probably recruit professional help for this.
7. Install a Window Drain
If your basement has above-grade windows, make sure they’re sealed very well. You should also install a window drain to divert excess water away from the window.
For below-grade windows, it’s easiest to get a window well cover. Otherwise, seal it well and install a window drain.
8. Install a Stairwell Drain
Your home may feature a staircase that leads down to your basement. Since this staircase sits below the surface of the ground, it can fill with water during heavy rain. To prevent this, you need a stairwell drain.
Now, most likely, your stairwell already has a drain. Still, it may be too small or otherwise ineffective.
The point is, if you notice a large pool of water at the bottom of your stairwell when it rains, get the stairwell drain replaced. Be sure to get one that’s large enough to accommodate your needs.
9. Maintain Your Sump Pump
Lastly, know that not all basement flooding can be prevented. For example, when a pipe bursts in your home, all the water flows to the lowest point. By the time you get to the water shutoff valve, your basement could fill several inches high with water.
This is why a sump pump is so important for basement owners. It not only prevents flooding but reverses it when it happens. Simply put, the device pumps the floodwater outside to an exterior drainage system.
However, it only continues to function properly when it’s well maintained. Always make sure you stay on top of sump pump maintenance at all times throughout the year.
Use These Steps to Prevent Basement Flooding
Don’t let preventable mistakes wreak havoc on your basement. Instead, use the steps on this list to prevent basement flooding.
Furthermore, we offer plenty of services that can help with this issue. Contact us here or call us at 443-949-3180 to schedule your free inspection
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