April Showers Bring More Than May Flowers: How to Prevent a Flooded Basement
Did you know that an inch of floodwater is enough to cause damage worth $25,000 to your home?
And since the basement is your home’s lowest section, it’s also the most susceptible to floods. Those include floodwaters brought about by inclement weather and potential sewage backups.
Fortunately, there are several strategies you can employ to prevent a flooded basement. We’ve listed and explained the top ones below, so keep reading.
Maintain Your Gutters
Your gutters’ job is to collect rainwater from the roof and guide it away from your home. Thus, it’s vital to keep it clean and clear of debris, including foliage, twigs, and branches, at all times.
Otherwise, rainwater can overflow or trickle down the siding soffit, fascia, and walls. All that water can then seep into your home’s foundation and, from there, cause a basement flood.
Inspect and Seal External Wall Cracks
Check your external walls for cracks, and if you find some, seal them with epoxy. If you find a lot of jagged, large cracks, though, it may be best to get an engineer or builder involved. Those damages could indicate that your home has a structural problem.
Invest in Basement Waterproofing
Go down to your basement and check its walls and floors for signs of damage. Fill cracks and gaps you find with epoxy.
Once the filler is dry, you can start flood-proofing basement walls with a waterproof coat. Those finishes also work on floors and ceilings in most cases, but be sure to check the label. Apply them on basement surfaces to help repel water and prevent seepage.
Get a Sewer Backflow Valve
Clogged main drains can drive wastewater back and up into your drainage system. Floodwaters can also overtax public sewer lines, forcing sewage to enter your home. Since the basement is on the lowest section of your home, it’s where all that wastewater can end up.
You can protect your home from such occurrences by installing a sewer backflow valve. It’s a device that automatically shuts and seals your sewer lateral if it senses a sewer backup. That closure ensures the wastewater can’t flow into your home drains.
Grade Your Lawn
Grading your lawn so the ground slopes away from your house can help protect you from a basement flood. That can serve as a shield, creating a barrier against floodwater. In addition, the incline helps facilitate the downward flow of water from your home to the street.
Keep Outdoor Drains Clog-Free
Another crucial yard task is to keep an eye out for your yard and storm drains. Check that they’re always free of blockages, including trash and garden debris. Otherwise, they won’t be able to do their job of diverting rainwater and melted snow.
Protect Yourself From a Flooded Basement
Remember: floodwater can contain germs and toxins that can cause injuries or illnesses. It may even contain hazardous chemicals and cancer-causing compounds. That’s on top of the expensive destruction it can bring to your home.
All that should be enough reason for you to follow our tips for preventing a flooded basement. By doing so, you have fewer things to worry about when the next storm rolls in.
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