Basement in any house is a useful place for different reasons. You can use it for washing and ironing clothes, for storage of seasonal items or for your kids playing area. Some use their basement for installing the water heaters and HVAC systems.
But flooding in basement can occur anytime and due to any reason. There may be heavy rain fall or after snow melts or even in dry weather. During dry weather, flooding occurs because of seeping through walls or floors or from surface water source or from sanitary backup or drain blockage. Whatever the type of water flooding, it damages the objects and the structure of building.
Basement is located in an area not frequently visited and if there is any source of water it may remain hidden until the flooding occurs and causes large damages. You should take precautionary steps for the prevention of basement flooding.
Before rainy season starts, check for cracks in foundations. Watch the place through where the water enters the basement and should be double checked. Fill the minor cracks and for larger fillings call for professional technicians to make sure that your foundations are repaired in such a way that water stay away from your building.
Clear away the snow at least some feet from outside the foundation of house. After quick change in temperature, snow melts and results in flooding basement. Spring rain help in thawing the snow more rapidly and add more water, hence making the situation worse.
You must shovel away snow away from your home if it is situated on a hill. Clear away snow from your roof to prevent it from flowing into your foundation, drains and gutters after melting.
Keep your drainage areas clear of debris and ice-build up to ensure proper water drain and prevent back-up.
Inspect your downspouts and gutters and clean the leaves before snow falls to clear blockage and for proper water flow. If they are not working properly, water build up right next to the foundation wall and will create hydrostatic pressure. This pressure push wall towards the cracks and gaps in basement walls.
Check and test your sump pump during the winter season to ensure that it is functioning properly when snow melts. Turn it on and use water to engage the pump. If it does not work properly, look for issue and resolve it before time.
Check your basement regularly for any water presence, moisture or leaks. Never ignore any water and repair the water source as soon as possible.
You may need to upgrade your landscaping or yard surrounding your house. Make sure the snow water flows away from your foundation not towards it. Fill gaps and cracks with concrete, soil or plant material as needed. Try making slope away from your foundation.
If possible, gets a waterproofing system for your basement, which is the best prevention. The interior and exterior waterproof walls keep your basement dry. If your basement is not waterproofed, you can consult a professional and install it.
Check your windows in basement and cover them with window well covers to prevent water entrance. They should be properly fastened and securely latched to provide safety from snow.
