How To Prevent Basement Flooding

Summer downpours can wreak havoc on basements. Whether you live in a new house or an old one, no house is completely safe from a flooding basement. And trust us, no one wants a wet basement!

Just one to four inches of water in your basement can cost up to $10,000 to repair and dry. That doesn’t even enter the water damage caused to your floors, walls, technology and the possible damage to priceless pieces of furniture, photos and other heirlooms.

A flooded basement can cost a small fortune. The best way to prevent basement flooding from occurring is to prepare as if a flood could always be right around the corner.

Preparing for a flood before it happens is the only sure-fire way to avoid having to deal with and pay for the devastating damage of flooding basements. Fortunately, the plumbers at Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing offer up some simple tips you can take to avoid them all together and keep your basement dry and safe.

Clear Your Gutters and Downspouts

We know it’s a dirty, nasty chore, and no one likes doing it, but cleaning your gutters is more important than just keeping your house looking nice.

Clean gutters let rain water flow uninhibited through the gutter, down the downspout and away from your house’s foundation. Cleaning your gutters of any gunk or leaves prevents water from building at the base of your house and seeping into your basement.

A good rule of thumb is to direct water at least 3 feet away from the foundation, so an extension and/or troughs are never a bad idea. So, grab your ladder and gloves and get cleaning!

Check Your Sump Pump

A sump pump is a vital piece of equipment for any basement. Installed at the lowest point in your basement, water flows downhill and fills up the sump pit until it is triggered to push the water to the nearest sewer or retention pond.

You never want to realize your sump pump isn’t working when you’ve got a basement full of water, so make sure to regularly check your unit. It’s as simple as slowly dumping 5 gallons of water into your sump pump and waiting to see if it moves the water.

If it isn’t working properly or something seems to be going wrong, make sure to call Chapman Heating, Air Conditioning & Plumbing to take a look. It could be a quick fix or maybe time to upgrade.

Inspect Your Foundation

Older houses often run higher risks for basement flooding simply because of wear and tear that can occur to interior and exterior foundations over time. Cracks in basement walls and floors are extremely common.

If your home has been around to see the last couple of decades – or even centuries – make sure to take the time to give it a proper inspection.

Simple epoxy, masonry sealer and similar products can be used to repair foundation cracks and small damages that will let water find its way into your basement.

But, like dealing with plumbing and other home appliances, leave the big stuff to the pros. Some things that can seem like relatively small problems or simple fixes can end up being some of the most complex problems when it comes to foundation issues.

Use Window Well Covers

Window wells for your basement are a great way to let in natural light and fresh air, but they become swimming pools when the rain gets too heavy.

If your windows aren’t properly sealed – and even if they are – the excess amount of water build up can lead to leaks.

One way to ensure your window wells don’t fill up is through installing window well covers. These simple covers are easy to install and come in a range of material and prices as low as $20 at your local hardware or home improvement store.

Call Chapman’s for Sump Repair or Installation

Finding a basement full of water is no time to start thinking about preventing a flood. These simple checks can save you thousands! Contact Chapman’s today if you suspect an issue with your foundation or sump pump to ensure that your basement will stay safe and dry.