Basements can be great places for storage, hobbies, or even extra living space. But if water gets in, it can turn into a nightmare! Floodwater damage to your belongings and home's structure is devastating yet preventable with help from Mr. Rooter Plumbing. A dependable plumber has ways to keep the basement dry!
Starting with the basics is always a smart move. Here are some simple ways to prevent water from flooding your basement:
One of the easiest things you can do is ensure your gutters are clean and free of leaves and debris. When gutters are clogged, rainwater can overflow and pool around your home's foundation, leaking into your basement.
Make sure your downspouts direct water away from your home. They should extend at least six feet away from the foundation. If the water from your roof drains too close to your home, it can seep into the basement.
The ground around your home should slope away from the foundation. Water can gather near the basement walls if the yard is flat or slopes towards your home.
Regularly inspect the foundation of your home for cracks or gaps. Even small cracks can let water in. If you notice any, fill them with concrete or sealant.
Now that you have the basics down let’s look at some intermediate steps to provide better protection against flooding.
A sump pump is a device that helps remove water that collects in your basement. Installing a sump pump could be the perfect solution if your home is at risk for flooding. It helps keep your basement dry by automatically activating when water levels become dangerously high. These devices operate when sensing moisture, keeping everything nice and dry inside!
Waterproofing your basement is another great way to protect it. It creates a barrier that keeps water out.
Keeping humidity levels low in your basement can prevent mold and mildew from growing.
Regularly inspecting your plumbing systems can help catch leaks before they become big problems.
These methods are better than the basics, but the best strategies are the way to go if you want to protect your basement.
Consider these top-of-the-line methods if you’re serious about keeping your basement safe from flooding.
An interior French drain is a system of pipes that collects water around the foundation and directs it to a sump pump. It’s best to have this installed by a plumbing repair service specializing in this type of work.
Exterior waterproofing is a comprehensive approach that involves digging around your foundation and applying a watertight barrier that prevents rainwater from penetrating basement walls and entering them directly. While this method can be more time and cost-intensive than others, it provides superior protection from flooding.
Creating a landscape that directs water away from your home is another excellent strategy. Planting certain species of vegetation that absorb more water or using rocks and other materials as drainage channels are two ways of creating drainage solutions.
Keep important documents and valuables elevated and store them in waterproof containers. Consider having a backup sump pump or battery-powered pump in case of power outages during storms.
Flooding in your basement can be a severe issue, but you can take plenty of steps to prevent it. Invest in more extensive solutions like interior French drains or exterior waterproofing for the best protection. With the right prevention strategies, you can enjoy your basement worry-free!
