Whether your basement is used as a catch-all storage room, a spare bedroom, or a laundry area, it’s important to keep the space dry. But as the lowest part of your home, it can be susceptible to flooding and all of the problems excess water can cause—including foundation damage, mold growth, wood rot, and appliance failure. If you’re worried about these issues, here are a few effective strategies for basement flooding prevention that all homeowners should use.

5 Tips for Basement Flooding Prevention

1. Grade the Landscape 

If water flows down the landscape and toward the base of your home, this means it’s negatively graded—putting your basement at risk of water intrusion. To ensure rainwater and other runoff is directed away from your home, you should hire a contractor to excavate and grade the landscape so that it has a positive slope. If grading isn’t possible, you may need to install a French drain system to carry water away from the foundation.

2. Maintain Sump Pump

Typically located within a drain in the basement floor, sump pumps are designed to pull water out and into the proper drainage channel. If you have one installed, inspect, clean, and test the equipment about once every three months to ensure it’s functional.

Ensure it’s connected to a reliable power source, and if possible, a generator for backup electricity if the power goes out during a storm.  

3. Make Foundation Repairs Early On

If you notice cracks in the foundation, schedule repairs immediately. Over time, these minor flaws will only grow worse. And as they get deeper, it will become easier for water to penetrate the wall and enter the basement.

4. Clean Gutters Regularly

Gutters help divert water away from both the roof and the foundation. If they become clogged, however, any excess water will spill over, gradually causing damage to the foundation and entering the basement. 

To avoid this common problem, clean out your gutters and downspouts at least once a season. You should also make sure the downspout exit is positioned at least three feet away from the foundation.

5. Cover Basement Windows

Below-grade basement windows offer an easy spot for water to enter—especially during a heavy storm. Fortunately, you can buy inexpensive window covers that securely fasten around the frame. In addition to flooding prevention, this tool can also help deter pests and yard waste from taking over the window.

While there are many flooding prevention strategies you can follow, it’s not always easy to tell which will be the most effective. That’s why homeowners in Bethany, CT, turn to A Gombos Basement Waterproofing. Backed with proven tools, this waterproofing contractor will identify all of the weak points in your basement and offer reliable solutions to better manage excess moisture—including sump pump installation and foundation repair. To learn more about their capabilities, visit this local company online. For estimates, call (203) 393-3009.