When a storm hits Cache Valley, homeowners brace for the increased risk of flooding and water damage. Basements are often the first area of the house to experience flooding due to their position below ground level. Without preventative measures in place, rain can seep through cracks and openings, causing interior damage that could grow from mild to highly dangerous if not addressed.
It’s possible to prevent your basement from flooding with the right course of action. Here, we outline the top six ways to storm-proof your basement and keep your house safe and dry.
Understanding your house’s vulnerability to rainwater will help you protect your basement and overall property. Basement flooding usually occurs for the following reasons:
Basements are vulnerable to surface water leaking down foundation walls and through cracks. This happens in the following scenarios:
Hydrostatic pressure is defined as the pressure that water exerts on its surface when it is at rest. In the case of rain that seeps below the surface next to a house, hydrostatic pressure may push water through any small cracks that expose the basement. This is a particularly common problem in houses with insufficient drainage systems and no sump pump to remove water.
A sump pump is a device that prevents basement or crawl space flooding by detecting and removing accumulated water. Installing a sump pump is one of the most effective ways to prevent floodwater from entering your home. That said, maintenance is still a crucial part of prevention. Test your sump pump regularly to ensure it is properly removing water, and clean the sump pit as needed to avoid clogs.
Your gutters and downspouts ensure that rainwater collecting on your roof is funneled and directed away from your house. Clearing debris from your gutters and around your downspouts, particularly in the fall or after storms, prevents water from pooling and causing damage in the future. You can also purchase downspout extensions to ensure rainwater flows further away from your house.
In addition to ensuring your gutters and downspouts are functioning properly, you can further support the flow of rainwater by grading the land closest to your property so that it slopes away from the house. If you find that water is accumulating near your foundation, you can either remove the water or wait for a dry day and fill the space with clay-like soil on a sloping area. If this is a larger project, consider hiring a professional landscaper.
If the root cause of your basement flooding is a problem with your foundation, grading your landscape may not be enough to keep water out. Restoration professionals can inspect your foundation for cracks and seal them with strong, waterproof materials. If you are concerned about your basement windows, you can have them inspected and sealed if necessary, or apply acrylic covers to keep water out.
Inspect and maintain your plumbing systems and address any problems or weaknesses. Even the smallest pipe leak can quickly develop into a larger and more costly problem. One way to stay on top of leaks is by installing a water leak detection system, which will alert you to potential pipe leaks or irregular water flow.
Along with a sump pump and a water leak detection system, installing a backwater valve can also help you prevent basement water damage. Backwater valves keep sewage from backing up into your home after heavy rainfall, keeping you safe from a Category 3 water disaster.
For immediate assistance in a water emergency, whether it occurs in your basement or any other room in your home, call Sierra Restoration. Since 2010, we have provided Utah and Idaho communities with unmatched care, professional craftsmanship, and 24/7 emergency assistance.
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Our trusted restoration and remodeling team applies our motto to every job: “Restoring dreams one home at a time – with value, quality, and timeliness in mind.”
Schedule your emergency appointment with Sierra Restoration at 435-563-4007.
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