If you deal with frequent basement flooding or live in an area prone to water issues, there may be some things that you can do to reduce your risk. Several different issues could lead to a basement flood and the causes could help you come up with some prevention tips, but there are also several steps that you can take to make improvements regardless. Most of them are related to landscaping and grading, but you can also do other things to help take a proactive approach.
Grade the Land
You will want to make sure that the land around your home is sloped away from the foundation. That way, rainwater, and other runoff will not seep down into the basement or the foundation area. Make sure that you leave some room between your mulch and your foundation, too. That way, there’s breathing room and you won’t be encouraging a moisture trap.
Install a Sump Pump
If you don’t already have one, install a sump pump in your basement. Some people choose to install two, having one for groundwater and one for water backup. If you already have a sump pump, consider getting a bigger one or replacing it if yours has burnt out or is otherwise no longer working. This will give you a much better chance of thwarting water damage before it even starts.
Have Your Drains Checked
If you’re worried that there might be drainage issues, have your main line and sewer checked. There could be damage or buildup that is causing flooding that you don’t even know about. Not to mention the other damage that could be causing to your home, your plumbing, and so forth. It might be a bit costly to have drains checked and replaced or repaired, but the expense of not doing it could be much more catastrophic.
Get Rid of Bigger Trees with Problematic Roots
There is also a big issue with trees– they’re great for the planet, but their roots are terrible for your drainage and plumbing system. so many people have flooding and water backup issues due to tree roots running through their drains or collapsing main lines, and it can cost thousands of dollars to fix these issues. It’s best to get rid of larger trees with complex root systems that are close to your lines before they become a problem.
Call the Experts
Water damage restoration experts and waterproofing pros can often help you come up with ways to reduce the risk of basement floods in your home. There is a lot that you can do yourself, but there’s also a lot that you need to rely on the professionals for when it comes to dealing with basement flooding and water damage. Ask for help when you need it and you’ll find that you have fewer problems down the line.
Basement flood mitigation can save you a lot of money, hassle, and stress in the future. It can also increase the value of your home and allow you to have fewer issues with maintenance and upkeep.