Keep Your Basement Safe From Floods

4/14/2022 (Permalink)

Preventative Basement Flooding Tips 

According to FEMA all areas in the United States are susceptible to flooding issues. Annually, more than 60% of American homes suffer from below-ground wetness. Water seeps into basements through cracks in the walls or flooring, through windows and doors and through sewer lines. However, there are some preventative measures you can take to prevent basement flooding such as:  

1. Installing a Sump Pump: What is a sump pump and what does it do? A sump pump moves water from your basement and out of your home. A sump is a naturally created pit, or hole, that is carved beneath the main surface of your basement floor. This hole is known as a basin, and it is where the sump pump is stored. A sump pump has valves that sense water levels and pressures rising and removes the excess water away from the home.  
2. Install a Backwater Valve: Backwater valves close off the drain to sewer lines. A backwater valve is a great investment for a home that is connected to a municipal sewer system. Backwater valves are installed in the main outgoing sewage line from your home, usually under a basement floor, and flow sewage out of your home and never into it.
3. Grade Around the Home’s Foundation: The key benefit of grading around your home is grading prevents water from flowing back into your home’s foundation. Excess water and the weight of water can break down the foundation wall, which causes cracks and structural damage.

Pro Tip: When testing your grading levels, pour a bucket of water slowly onto the surface of your driveway or patio and see which way the water runs. If the water begins to travel towards your home, you know you have some grading work to do.  

1. Seal Your Basement: Sealing any potential or existing openings to your basement means installing weather stripping around doors and caulking any windows. An easy step, but a commonly forgotten one as well.
2. Keep Gutters Clear & Use Downspout Extensions: Keeping gutters clear and free of debris can consist of two separate methods- regularly cleaning gutters by hand or installing roof gutter covers. A gutter cover is a covering installed on the top of your gutters, typically made up of mesh material that allows water to pour off the roof while still blocking large pieces of debris.   Downspout extensions are also inexpensive additions to your home’s gutter system that could save you tons of money from preventative water damage. If you happen to see water pooling around your downspout, adding extensions will move the water away from the foundation to prevent any damage.
3. Keep Landscaping Updated: Even though plants absorb water from soil, they can also cause unwanted water intrusions in your basement. If landscaping is too close to the foundation, roots may penetrate through, which could lead to cracks or bowing walls allowing water in.

SERVPRO® Can Handle Any Water Job, Big or Small! Our crews are here for you 24/7/365, call us today at 706-868-5441 to schedule a consultation today!