Dealing with a flooded basement can be a nightmare, especially considering the amount of water damage that can occur. With the rainy season upon us, many homeowners are looking for ways to avoid this kind of soggy situation. All Care Restorations is Lincoln, Nebraska’s premier water restoration company—here, they share some tips on how to fortify your basement and avoid any wet woes this spring.

Avoiding Basement Flooding

Repair Damaged Areas

Foundation cracks are easy entry points for water, and they’ll only get worse if you don’t fix them. Use an epoxy-based sealer to repair cracks on the exterior of basement walls—this durable sealant is water-repellent and is strong enough to withstand harsh weather conditions. For cracks on the interior walls of the basement, use a masonry sealer instead, which penetrates into the porous material of brick and concrete. Once the sealer hardens, it will be much more difficult for water to penetrate the walls and cause damage.

Inspect & Maintain Sump Pump

If you have a sump pump in your basement, you should inspect it on a regular basis. Open the cover and pull up on the float, noting if you hear the motor. If not, make sure the sump pump is plugged in and that there are no tripped circuits. Check the discharge pipe to verify that it is long enough to extend past the foundation of your house. If not, the pump could recirculate the excess water back into the basement and cause further water damage.

Ensure Proper Drainage

Regularly clear gutters and downspouts of leaves and debris. If the gutters become clogged, the rainwater will have no place to drain and will instead trickle down the side of the house. Extend all downspouts and make sure they point away from the house so the water doesn’t puddle near the foundation. Lastly, if you have a sprinkler system, position the heads properly so they aren’t spraying water onto the house.

Armed with a plan, you can take a proactive approach to prevent basement flooding and the resulting water damage. If you need water restoration services, turn to the professionals at All Care Restorations. These highly trained specialists can also handle fire damage, mold remediation, and deodorization. They’ll work hard to restore your home back to like-new condition. Call them today at (402) 421-3779 or visit them online to learn more.