The time may come when you’ll have to handle the common problem of flooding if you have a basement. Although flooding is a common issue in houses that have basements, it is a serious one too. Real and negative consequences can result from basement flooding, and these consequences can have critical effects on your life, your home, and your health. Do you know how Identifying and Fixing the Source of a Flooded Basement work in basement waterproofing?
Let’s take for example:
- Respiratory problems have been linked to houses that are continually wet from flooding.
- Your home, as well as the personal items in your basement that are most likely not insured, can be permanently damaged by frequent flooding.
- There’s a high possibility for your rate to increase if your insurance always compensates you for damage caused by flooding.
- And when you decide to sell your home, you may find that your property value has significantly reduced because of frequent basement flooding.
Some issues can cause basement floodings like drainage failure, poor lot drainage, cracks in your foundation or basement walls, sump pump failure, and overflowing downspouts. And whatever the cause maybe, preventing flooding in your basement is critical in ensuring that your home, wallet and health are safe. With more information, you will know how basement flooding causes serious problems for your home.
Tips for Preventing Flooding in Your Basement
- Plumbing Maintenance– You should inspect your plumbing thoroughly at least once or twice a year, to make sure that there are no leaks in the pipes and that all of the industrial fasteners are secure. Other things that you should also inspect are your backwater valves, sump pump, and floor drains. It is wise to hire a professional to do the inspection for you if you are not sure of what you are looking for, so you can be sure of safety.
- Backup Sump Pump– When a power failure occurs, your sump pump may stop working and pack up. However, you can save yourself from a flooding disaster in your basement by getting a backup sump pump that runs on batteries. These backup pumps are usually positioned just at the side of your main pump.
- Furnishings– It is best to be prepared for all situations since you can’t prevent all of them. Make sure all of your furniture has legs long enough to keep the fabric and cushions from becoming wet just in case a flood occurs. You can also make use of ceramic tiles on the walls to reduce the degree of damage that may arise and to make cleanup very easy. Also, instead of carpet, consider area rugs. They can be easily removed and cleaned in the event of a flood.
- Downspouts– Downspouts can often cause flooding in your basement if they are not positioned in the right location or if the eaves troughs they are attached to are full of leaves and debris. Be sure to clean the eaves troughs often and to check all the nuts and bolts that hold them together so that water can run to the downspout without difficulty. Also, examine to be sure that the downspout is placed in such a manner that it does not faces the foundation and doesn’t drain water right against the home as well.
- Window Wells– It is common for basements have window wells that allow sunlight into the basement and offer additional exits from the home in case of emergency. But it is quite unfortunate that these wells can also turn into holding grounds for water which can damage the seals on your windows till they begin to leak. Fortunately, we can fix this problem with just a few fasteners and bolts. Install covers over your window wells to redirect rainwater away from the well and your foundation by making use of screws, nails, and bolt fasteners.
Consider these tips to reduce the possibilities of flooding or entirely prevent it if you are having issues with basement flooding.
