Guide on How to Prevent Basement Flooding
Most homeowners understand that their basement is always at risk of flooding. Water can enter into the basement from the ground outside in the rainy season and when the snowmelt in spring. Keeping up with the maintenance of your basement is the best way to prevent it from getting flooded. The following are 4 tips on how to prevent basement flooding.
1. Install a Sump Pump
The sump pump is the most useful piece of equipment in eliminating water in the basement. If it fails, your basement will be vulnerable to flooding frequently. So, you must always make sure that the sump pump is working. The sump pump should be plugged in at all times. You can also invest in a generator for powering up your sump pump in case of power failure. You can also get a portable sump pump as a backup in case your main sump pump did not work. The flood caused by a broken sump pump will not be covered by the homeowner insurance.
2. Inspect the Foundation for Cracks
Every year, you should inspect your foundation for cracks at least one time. Hairline cracks are common in the basement and nothing to worry about. New cracks are often small cracks that measure less than 1/8 inch in width so they are nothing to worry about. You can monitor the new crack by marking it with a pencil. If the crack continues to expand, it is likely that it will develop into a bigger crack that will allow moisture to seep into the basement. You can temporarily fix a small crack with epoxy. Bigger cracks in the foundation will require the attention of a professional plumber.
3. Clean the Gutter and Downspout
The gutters and downspout should be functioning properly so that the water can be properly directed away from the foundation and basement. The downspout should be at least 6 – 10 feet away from the house. You can get a plumber to install the downspout extension if the current downspout is not long enough. The plumber will install the extension pipe at the right slope angle to ensure the water flows downward. You can also hire a plumber to clear the gutter and downspout from all kinds of debris if you don’t want to climb the roof.
4. Clean the Septic Tank
Sewer backup can also cause flooding in the basement. If the sewer overflow, your backyard will have a bad smell. Even when you don’t smell the odor, you should perform routine checkup on your septic system to ensure it is not full. A plumber will be able to open your septic tank and check it. The plumber can use a special vacuum hose to pump out all the solid waste and gunk stuck on the walls. They will also spray the tank wall with clean water to clear away the clog. Spring is the best time to inspect the septic system. You want to make sure your septic tank is cleaned prior to the heavy rain fall.
