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Because it’s below ground level, your basement is the part of your home most vulnerable to flooding. While a burst pipe is one possible cause, not every source of basement water damage is something a plumber can fix. For this reason, it’s essential to understand the risk factors ahead of time and take some steps to protect your home. Here are a few potential sources of basement flooding you can eliminate or minimize.

Steps to Prevent Basement Flooding

1. Clean Your Gutters

PlumberYou might not think of your roof as important to your basement, but because it sheds rainwater toward the sides of your house, it presents a flooding risk. You’ll want to keep your gutters clean and in good repair, and direct your downspout away from the home, in order to avoid any spills.

2. Waterproof

Your basement’s walls and floor should be thoroughly treated with waterproof coatings to keep the earth’s natural damp out. Go through the area periodically and note any cracks—they’ll need to be repaired and resealed to keep everything dry.

3. Upgrade Your Sump Pump

This piece of equipment is the most active factor in removing water from your basement. Check on it and note how often it turns on and how hard it seems to be working. If it’s struggling to keep up with the amount of water in the area, your plumber will recommend a more powerful model to fit your needs.

4. Have the Pipes Inspected

Depending on the age of your home, the water and sewer pipes in your home may be in poor condition or made of less durable materials than those currently available. Have a plumber go over the system looking for any corrosion or weak spots. You may need to replace some sections to prevent them from breaking in the future.

5. Keep a Plumber’s Number Handy

Sometimes, even with the best precautions, accidents happen anyway. If your basement starts to flood, having an emergency plumber available can help stop the problem quickly and minimize the damage. Find a plumber in your area who you trust and store their number in your phone.

 

If you’re worried about basement flooding, call Cox Construction & Plumbing in Waynesboro, PA, for pipe inspection and remodeling to prevent leaks and burst pipes. Their plumbers have over 30 years of experience and have maintained a reputation for top-quality customer service. To discuss your plumbing or construction project, call (540) 943-8723 or reach out to them online.

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