Compared to other rooms in the house, the basement is more susceptible to water damage because of its close proximity to plumbing, drains and outdoor sewer and main water supply lines. The encouraging news is there are effective ways to prevent leaks. Basement waterproofing specialists suggest the following tips to keep your space dry and safe.

How to Help Keep Basements Free From Water Damage

Inspect Footing Drains

Footing drains are pipes that are typically located underneath the house to channel water away from the foundation. If they become clogged, the drains can trigger water leaks near the meeting point between the wall and floor in the basement. Have a basement waterproofing periodically inspect the footing drains to ensure they’re in proper condition.

Install Gutter Extensions

Your home’s roof and gutter system can also be the culprits for water damage in basements, especially if the structures have holes, dents, and cracks. As an added safety measure, consider having gutter extensions installed to help move water away from the house and your basement. The extensions come in handy if the gutter’s downspouts are flushing less than five feet of water from the exterior.

Add a Curtain Drain

Some homes don’t have footing drains (see the first entry above). If a basement waterproofing specialist did an inspection and found that they don’t exist, you can also have a curtain drain installed. It works similar to a footing drain in that it moves water away from your house’s foundation. There are different types of curtain drains available, and some typically involve digging a small trench, piping, and gravel to help channel water down a slope and away from the house and basement.

These are just a few steps that can help prevent water from taking over your basement and causing costly damage. For over 25 years, Hillside Landscaping & Excavating in Anchorage, AK, has been the area’s premier basement waterproofing contractor homeowners turn to for impeccable and affordable service. The A+ Better Business Bureau®-ranked firm has extensive experience working on houses and commercial properties with a wide range of configurations. If you suspect your basement is encountering water leaks, call the locally-owned company at (907) 522-4457 today to schedule an inspection. Visit the website for information on the full suite of services, including snow plowing and home foundation repair.