No one likes it when a basement flood strikes. A flooded basement means damage to your home, belongings, family heirlooms, and wallet. This is not only a huge inconvenience, it can also be a health hazard for you and your family if the flooding leads to mold growth. Luckily, there are precautions that can be taken to prevent basement flooding before it happens. Read on to find out what you can to do protect your Victoria home from a flooding disaster.
- Get your lawn graded properly
Take a look at the ground around your home – is it sloped towards your home or away from it? If the ground is sloped towards your home, your basement may be at risk of flooding as rainwater will run down towards your home’s foundation instead of draining away from it. There are a few landscaping options that can fix this issue such as diverting rain spouts, installing a rain garden, digging a swale, or using heavier mulch. Speak with your local landscaper to find the best solution for you.
- Strategically place your downspouts
Downspouts are a great option to help control water runoff, but never end them directly above the ground at the base of your walls. Always add extra material to either extend the downspout or point it away from your home. If your downspouts do not direct the water away, the ground around your home can become easily saturated during a rain and this is a recipe for a basement flood. Strategic placement can help prevent basement flooding.
- Leave a gap between mulch and siding
If you use mulch around flower beds or other garden areas, always leave a gap of approximately 6 inches between this mulch and your outside walls. This helps stop water from pooling near your home and getting into your basement.
- Keep your gutters clean
It is so important to keep your gutters cleared of all leaves and debris as they cannot do their job if they are blocked! When heavy rain hits, a blocked gutter cannot properly drain rainwater, and this means water can easily build up around the base of your home and find its way into your basement. Make it a habit to clean out your gutters at least once every spring and fall to avoid overflowing gutters.
- Use a sump pump
One of the most efficient ways to keep water out of your basement and prevent basement flooding is investing into a decent sump pump and potentially a back-up system. A sump pump helps keep regular rainwater build up in check and automatically redirects it to a place where it cannot harm your home. While it may seem expensive now, this can save you huge amounts of money that you would have spend on repairing a flooded basement.
If you are concerned about any of the above points, or think you may have a more serious basement flooding issue, contact our Victoria plumbers.