The basement of a house is arguably the most vulnerable to floods. Flooding can occur for various causes, including faulty water heaters or washing machines, sump pump failure or overflow, and seepage through cracks.
You may decrease the chance of basement flooding with little work on your side. Simple maintenance tasks such as cleaning the gutters and repairing foundation cracks can help you in basement waterproofing. Installing and maintaining a sump pump is an efficient technique to keep water out of your basement.
Here are a few key ideas to keep in mind if you want to protect your house against basement flooding.
Check Your Foundation for Cracks
Look for cracks in your home’s foundation from the interior and exterior. If you detect any minor cracks, seal them with caulk. If the cracks are severe, you will want the assistance of an expert to repair them before they pose a risk to your basement.
Clean the Gutters
Clean the gutters on your roof to prevent them from overflowing after a rainstorm. The downspouts convey water out from your property, and if they are clogged, the water may pour into your basement.
Check the Grading
Rainwater may drain near your foundation if the land does not slope away from your property. It can even get into your basement and do extensive damage. As a result, if the earth does not slope away from your house, you need to re-grade it.
Install a Sump Pump and Maintain It
Install and maintain a sump pump if you don’t want your basement to flood. Sump pumps catch and move surplus water outdoors before it causes flooding. It is critical to keep your sump pump in good working order, especially during the rainy season. Do the following to keep your sump pump in good working order:
- Examine the sump pump’s motor. If the engine isn’t turning on, make sure it’s correctly connected in. If the motor does not start despite being plugged in, contact a professional to get it repaired.
- Examine the discharge line to ensure that it extends far enough away from your property to allow water to drain safely away from your foundation.
- Install a backup generator to keep your sump pump running. It will be helpful if you lose electricity during a strong storm.
Conclusion
While following these recommendations will help lower the risk of basement flooding, there is no assurance that you will be able to keep water from gathering in your basement at all times. In the event of a major storm and your basement floods, causing substantial water damage to your house, contact a professional agency as soon as possible to have your home or property returned to its clean and dry state.
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