5 Ways to Prevent Your Basement From Flooding During the Rainy Season

Basement flooding is such a trouble to deal with. Prevalent reasons why this happens in the first place is due to strong rainstorms or frequent raining. Even after the flooding occurs; there are still some problems you have to face like mould growth, dampness, and removing excess water. Fortunately, you can safeguard your basement from flooding instead of having to endure the same house issue over and over again. You will find a list of the most common and effective methods in preventing basement-flooding below.

Set a sump pump in your basement

Sump pumps are plumbing equipment used to gather excess water in the basement and pumps it out through the discharge pipe. This is an effective means in controlling and eliminating flood waters in your basement; which is why you should really consider installing one. For those who already have a sump pump installed; you still need to ensure the machine is 100% working and have zero issues. You see, there are cases in which a sump pump becomes broken and leaves the basement prone to flooding.

One of the ways you can check if the pump is working is by pouring enough water into the pump to start the motor running. If the motor doesn’t start even if you have poured a large volume of water then this indicates the float switch  —  device used to trigger the sump pump to start pumping water —  isn’t working. You should also check the pump basin for blockages since this will cause the water to move slowly out of the discharge pipe. Have a sump pump specialist check your unit if you want it to have a more thorough inspection.

Cover cracks in the foundation

Even with a sump pump, you mustn’t entirely rely on the device. You still need to be vigilant and do the other necessary tips to stunt water flow into your basement. In some cases, the flood waters enter the basement via cracks and holes in the foundation walls. You can use epoxy clay to patch up small gaps or cracks. Masonry sealers are also effective in sealing blemishes on the foundation. If there are too many cracks then this means there could be serious underlying problems within the structure. Have a structural engineer inspect the foundation to find the root of the problem —  and also to get advice on how to bolster the foundation walls.

Downspouts and gutters should be free from clogs

First of all, the downspouts and gutters’ pathway must be positioned far away from the basement or foundation. The next important tip is to clear any form of obstructions such as rocks, leaves, mud, etc. A clogged downspout and gutter will accumulate rain water fast and cause overflows.

Install window well covers

Some houses have basement windows which can become a problem since it can serve as an entry point for the rainwater. To avert this problem; you can affix a window well cover not only to keep water out; but also animals, pests, and leaves.

Renovate the landscape to promote better drainage

Another method of keeping away rainwater from your basement is by modifying the landscape near your house. You see, some landscapes are flat and cause water to stagnate at a fast rate — prompting water to enter the house and basement. By overhauling the soil and pavements in a slope-like design; the water can be kept away from the house and force it to flow through sewer lines and rainwater drains.

Guest post is written and provided by Dr. DRiP Pty. Ltd, one of Australia’s top tier and trusted plumbing companies. For more information about plumbing maintenance and safety.