9 Ways to Prevent Your Basement From Flooding

A flooded basement is a problem no homeowner wants to deal with, especially since there are many possible causes for this all-too-common issue. Unfortunately for many Ohio property owners, the dreaded flooding sometimes happens anyway. If your home’s basement has a tendency to flood, there are a few ways you can prevent or reduce the likelihood of this challenging disaster. Here are nine tips from our waterproofing experts.

Keep Gutters & Downspouts Clear

When your mind wanders to your basement, your gutters might not be the first thing you think about, but they’re actually a critical part of keeping water away from your home’s foundation. In order to let your gutters and downspouts do their job, use these quick tips:

• Regularly remove leaves, branches, and other debris from gutters and downspouts.
• If your gutters clog often, consider installing a gutter cover system.
• Keep your downspouts pointed awayfrom your home’s foundation to prevent water damage.
• If your downspouts have caused or almost caused a flood in the past, high-quality downspout extensions can help direct water even further away from your basement. These are usually available for a low price online and at large hardware stores.

Garden With Care

Even if you’ve never had a basement flooding problem before, always be cautious while planting bushes, trees, and shrubs. It’s best to keep them a good distance away from your home since roots can become entangled with your sewer lines and drainage pipes, leading to plumbing leaks. While you’re planning your landscaping, also remember that gradingmatters. Soil settles over time, and if it isn’t at the right angle (“grade”) to drain moisture away from your home, preventing basement flooding will be an uphill battle… pun intended! Speak with landscaping pros or get some tips online about how to properly grade soil around your home.

Waterproof Windows & Doors

Basement flooding can get even worse if your windows and doors aren’t sealed tightly enough to keep out water. First, use caulk or epoxy to seal any gaps or weak spots in door and window frames. Then, install a weather stripping seal around all basement windows and doors. If you have ground-level basement windows that have been a problem in the past, you might also want to consider installing clear window well covers on each window. This way, light can still enter the space, but water and pests are kept out.

Patch Pipes ASAP

Waterproofing the outside of the basement can’t stop the chaos if the water is coming from inside the house, so it’s critical to quickly put a stop to any interior water problems. If you notice cracks or holes in pipes or water lines in your basement, have them repaired as soon as possible. Don’t let your washing machine, water heater, and other water-using appliances escape scrutiny, either.

Install Additional Drainage

The only thing worse than a rain-flooded basement is a stinky, sewage-soaked mess. Installing a backwater valve will help close off your basement drains from municipal sewer lines, preventing the possibility of a nasty sewer backup spillover. Another option you may be able to take advantage of is a French drain (although these systems need zoning approval in many areas, and you’ll likely need professionals to perform the installation).

Book Regular Septic & Sewer Inspections

Burst pipes are a common cause of flooded basements everywhere. In order to prevent this problem, schedule yearly septic tank and sewer inspections. During these inspections, professionals will closely examine your plumbing for cracks, fractures, tree roots, and other common problems. They can also check your basement for mold growth or repair appliance water leaks.

Flood-Proof Your Foundation

Inspect your home’s foundation regularly for cracks. If you spot any, have them taken care of immediately since even small cracks can be a big problem in the world of basement waterproofing. You may be able to seal small foundation cracks yourself with a high-quality masonry sealer, but we recommend that you call a professional if you suspect serious foundation damage.

Safeguard With a (Working) Sump Pump

If you’re not new to the world of flooded basements, you might already have taken this step: install a sump pump in case of emergency. To ensure your sump pump is actually doing its job, be sure it’s hooked up to power and functioning correctly. You’ll want to make sure it works before trouble strikes, or else you might as well have never bought one! To determine the proper size and model for your needs, be sure to measure your basement before heading out to the hardware store or placing an order online.

Consider Professional Waterproofing

The best way to truly protect your home is with professional basement waterproofing in Cleveland. Our team will cover all bases as we explore both interior and exterior waterproofing options. We will ensure your basement and foundation are safe and dry for years to come.

Call Adelio’s Anytime

Need help fighting flooding at your home or business? Contact Adelio’s Contracting, and our skilled waterproofing pros will be there to help right away. We’re also a great resource for pipe relining near me and other sewer line issues, so don’t hesitate to get in touch, and we’ll work with you on a solution.