Every home with a basement carries a risk of basement flooding. Here’s a quick overview on how to prevent it from happening.
When it comes to protecting your home from damage, one of the best places to start is to safeguard your home’s basement from flooding. So today, we would like to share with you our top five tips on how to help keep your basement from becoming flooded.
Figure your flood risk
One of the first things to do in preparing your home against flooding is to check how common flooding is in your local area. In Ontario, flooding is said to be one of the most costly natural threats that can happen year-round. Knowing the area your home is located in and any special circumstances — in which could make flooding a little more difficult — is key in preparing the best defense against flooding cause by weather.
Repair foundational cracks
Another great tip in keeping your home protected from flooding is fixing any and all foundational cracks. Small crevices can be filled with an appropriate sealant; while larger areas may need a professional to properly fix it. Regrading your yard can also help prevent flooding, as it can avert rain from building up around your home.
Correct or repair pipe leaks
A leaky pipe in your basement can seem minor; but if left unchecked, it can cause flooding in your basement. A leaky pipe can have a simple solution, such as tightening or fixing what is damaged. But if it is not corrected in time, the pipe could burst and produce even more damage. Simply mending and correcting small needed repairs can save a lot of time and money in the long run!
Maintain clean gutters
Eavestroughs or gutters are installed on a home to keep water away from the house. However, when your eavestrough is blocked by debris, the water can drain improperly and pool at the base of the home. This, in turn, can cause flooding in your home. Keeping water away from the house is the goal when you are trying to advert water buildup; this is where clean eavestroughs can be a key component in preventing basement flooding. Another tip is to keep your downspout at least two meters away from your home; this is to ensure it will drain properly and in the right area.
Consider sump pumps
A sump pump is a machine that takes out, from a home, excess water caused by a storm. The pump is only activated when water begins to fill it. Once the pump starts, it begins to automatically push out the excess water through a pipe, which leads outside away from the home. Many sump pumps work using electricity; so it is advised to have a backup generator in case of a power outage during a storm.
A flooded basement can be an unexpected interruption in your life. Being prepared can save you both time and money!
When disaster strikes, we restore with care
You want a professional to help you keep your home and property in great condition. As a family-owned business of emergency restoration experts, we, at Touch With Care, strive to give you the best service and information to keep your property in top condition! To learn more, contact us.
