4 Tips on How to Stop Your Basement from Flooding

A flooded basement is one of the worst things that can happen. Many homes have finished basements where people retreat into the cooler lower levels to enjoy a ball game, a movie, or some other form of leisure. Basements are often dedicated to kids’ play areas, and also hold a lot of families’ storage. When a basement floods, it can make homeowners feel insecure. It’s almost as if something’s breached into your home and left you vulnerable. Not only do you have to deal with cleaning up water damage to carpets, furniture, and other items, but you also need to work to prevent a mold outbreak or structural damage to your home. When basements flood, water can get into wood beams, vents, and other hard to reach places. Rot can happen, and black mold can grow causing health problems to people in the home. Even worse, flooding can mean a water-damaged subfloor, which can threaten the foundation of a house.

Luckily, modern techniques have been developed to prevent widespread flooding from causing serious damage. They limit the potential for flooding, and, even if flooding occurs it lessens the impact. There are basic steps homeowners can take to reduce exposure to flooding and water damage. Here we break down four helpful hints on things you can do to flood-proof your home.

1.     An Ounce of Prevention

Before we get into practical steps you can take to protect your basement, it’s important to take preventative measures first. Every homeowner should understand what the risk of flooding is. FEMA, the U.S. government disaster management service, keeps a database of flood insurance rate maps. The maps evaluate the risk of flood to homes based on floodplain boundaries, elevation, rainfall, and other environmental factors. Locate your house and identify how much of a risk a flooded basement is to you. It will help you take proper measures without doing too little or going overboard.

Second, flood insurance is an option for every homeowner. If your house is located in a 100-year floodplain, odds are you’ll be required to purchase flood insurance. Every home with a government-backed mortgage attached to it must have flood insurance. Yes, it’s another homeowner expense you have to tack on to your monthly bill, but everyone who’s experienced a flooded basement has been either happy they had flood insurance or wish they had it. Insurance rates will vary depending on your geographic location. One hint on buying insurance is to get multiple offers before buying. Insurance companies are very competitive and will often match or beat competing offers. Don’t stop shopping until you’ve found something that covers you well and fits your budget.

2.     Update Your Gutter System

Clearing gutters is something many homeowners don’t think will affect their basement. However, stuck gutters overflow and the water trickles down the walls and into the soil right next to the basement. Too much water buildup can find its way into your basement if it isn’t dealt with properly. In addition to clearing gutters, you can install downspout extensions. Put several feet of downspout extensions on your gutters to increase the distance rainwater travels away from your house.

3.     Backwater Valves Save You from Municipal Problems

A lot of floods, unfortunately, are caused by problems the homeowner never saw coming. Their house is connected to municipal sewage that gets backed up and pushes waste back into their home. Sewage flooding is a whole different nightmare than rainwater or a broken water pipe issue. You’ll be dealing with hazardous material that can really be a pain to remediate. To prevent sewage backups from flooding your basement, install backwater valves that keep things moving the right way.

In the end, no home is completely floodproof. Something could break or go wrong in a house’s water or sewage system that can flood a basement and send owners scrambling. However, taking these four steps can swing the odds in your favor when it comes to preventing and limiting the damage from a flood. They’re easy to do. All it requires is a bit of work and a commitment to keeping an eye on less trafficked areas of the house.

4.     Regular Leak Checkup

A lot of flooded basements happen because residents didn’t pay attention to issues when they were small. A dripping leak was thought to be no big deal until it turned into something larger that causes a huge mess. Owning a home means diligent maintenance. A check of your basement’s pipes, vents, water heater, and walls needs to be done at least every year. It can be done by a professional or it can be DIY. Just go through your basement looking for any leaking water or decaying caulk lines that could let water in. Make sure there are not gaps in windowpanes or cracks in cement walls that could be a flood risk.

If you spot problems early on, they’ll be much easier and less expensive to deal with. Take note of all the small things you see and start knocking them out in your spare time. If you’re too busy, hire a professional who can get the job done quickly.

The professionals at Woodford Bros., Inc. offer a free, no-obligation estimate for a permanent solution for your wet basement and water intrusion issues. Our waterproofing system protects you from outside water, leaky walls, leaky windows, and exterior walls. Woodford Bros., Inc. has been in business for over 50+ years and their professionals are trained to identify the problem of your basement and propose a permanent solution with their patented products. They have helped over 60,000 homeowners across Central New York to have dry, healthy basement or crawl space. 

For a professional opinion, reach out to your local experts at Connecticut Basements Systems for a free, no-obligation estimate. Give them a call at 1-315-696-8971 or request an appointment at WoodfordBros.com