Do you know that around 98% of the USA’s basements will experience water damage at least once? The basement floods usually occur due to heavy rains or snow melting in the Spring. But they can also occur due to some other water damages and in dry weather.
While there are multiple causes of basement floods, there is also an equal number of measures to prevent them. If you are looking for those preventive measures, you are in the right place. This post highlights some effective ways to prevent basement floods.
How to prevent basement floods
Why let a basement flood ruin your day? Use these tips and ensure that your basement is safe from any damage.
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Maintain your HVAC system
It might seem weird, but your HVAC system can lead to floods in your basement, especially during dry days. Clogged pipes and uncleaned HVAC ducts can lead to leaks. The saddest part about the leaks is that they can go unnoticed for several days.
If you don’t stop the leaks caused by the HVAC system, they can enter your basement and lead to a flood. You can hire a professional service provider for regular air duct cleaning services to ensure timely maintenance.
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Take care of your gutters
Cleaning your gutters may be a daunting and unpleasant task that you will want to avoid. But keeping your gutters as clean as possible is essential if you are to save your house from a flood.
Ensure the gutters are installed at the right place and effectively take the water away from your house. Besides the gutters, you also need to ensure that your in-house water pipes are clean and working efficiently. Clogged pipes or faucets can damage the overall waterline and lead to water damage, leading to floods.
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Seal the cracks
Cracks can pave the way for the water to swoop into your basement. Check your walls, both inside and outside, and look out for any patches or cracks. If you find any gaps, it’s time to seal them because if you left any cracks, they can grow big and cause much larger problems.
Patching cracks is no complex task. You can do it yourself. All you need to ensure is to have the correct set of tools and materials to get a long-term fix. However, if you feel that the crack is immense and can’t handle it, get yourself some professional help.
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Grade your lawn
Inappropriate lawn slopes are the most significant risk factors of basement floods caused due to rains and hail storms. When it rains, the water has to go somewhere, and it will go where the slope leads them. If you have previously experienced basement floods soon after the rains, it’s time to inspect your lawn.
When it’s raining, go outside and see the flow of the water. Your lawn should be taking the water away from your house. If you find that there are some pools of surface water accumulated in your yard, it means there’s something wrong and needs to be fixed.
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Maintain your sump pump
The first thing is if you don’t have a sump pump, buy and install one. These pumps are effective in pumping the water accumulation outside your home. They will prevent the water from building up in your basement.
Even if you have a sump pump, timely maintenance is a necessity. Check the sump pump regularly and find out if it is working appropriately. If there’s any damage or the pump is malfunctioning, get it repaired and back on the job.
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Cover the basement windows
If you have below-grade windows installed in your basement for ventilation, ensure that they are not bringing in the water from the surrounding. Even if you have a window well drain, it can get clogged easily because of debris.
The best thing to prevent flooding due to basement window wells is by covering them. You can easily find an acrylic cover that can fasten tightly to your basement’s foundation. These transparent acrylic covers allow the light to come in and keep the leaves, pests, and water outside.
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Inspect sewer systems
Like the gutters, you also need to inspect your sewer systems at regular intervals. Without timely cleaning, your sewer systems can get clogged easily. Managing what goes inside the sewer systems can help prevent the clog. For instance, don’t flush anything except human waste and toilet paper.
The above tips will help you prevent basement floods. But things don’t always go as you wish, and you might wake to find that your basement is flooded. Well, don’t rush into anything. You can easily clean and dry your basement. So get on it and keep your basement always dry.
