5 Proven Basement Flooding Solutions for Homeowners

 

Around 98% of basements in US homes suffer water damage at least once in their lifetime.

If basement flooding is unchecked, mold, mildew, and bacteria can swiftly infiltrate the entire house, posing major health risks. In the worst-case scenario, the house’s structural integrity can be compromised and need extensive renovation.

The basement may occasionally flood due to severe weather conditions or significant system failure. With a little forethought or proactive action, you can solve most basement flooding issues.

Here are five proven basement flooding solutions to keep your basement dry during wet seasons.

1. Repair or Replace Your Sump Pump

A sump pump is one of the most effective tools for a flood-proof basement. A sump pump drains excess water from your basement and foundation through a drain pipe. It empties the excess water away from your home, keeping the basement from flooding.

If you live in an area prone to flooding and do not have a sump pump, install one as soon as possible. Otherwise, your basement may not survive the next rainy season.

If you already have a sump pump but have observed that the basement floods every time it rains, your sump pump may be defective. It is not uncommon for a rarely used sump pump to malfunction.

If your sump pump is past its lifespan, it may also not function as it should. Most sump pumps have an average lifespan of 10 years. So, if you have had your sump pump for over a decade, consider replacing it.

Other signs of a defective sump pump include:

• Strange or excessive noise during operation
• Running constantly
• Failure to turn on
• Excessive vibration
• Motor failure
• Corrosion
• Frequent circuit trips

Most sump pumps fail before their lifespan because of a lack of maintenance. To avoid this, have your plumber inspect and clean your sump pump periodically.

Sump pumps run on electricity. Thus, it helps to have a battery-powered backup system to keep your basement from flooding during power outages.

2. Install Stairwell Drains

Basement doors are vulnerable to floods due to their position below ground level. It doesn’t matter how many basement flood prevention systems you install. Your basement will always flood if you have not waterproofed the stairwell that leads to it.

During storms, water tends to accumulate at the base of your basement door. Without proper drainage, water seeps through the door and into the basement. A basement stair drainage system is a handy solution to this problem.

Installing stairwell drains on all exterior doors that lead to the basement keeps flood water from pooling on your doors. When it rains, the stairwell drains empty the water that cascades down the stairwell, preventing it from seeping into the basement.

When installing stairwell drains, your contractor may connect the drain to your home’s drainage system. Alternatively, they may install a sump pump to remove excess water.

3. Install Backwater Valves and Flood Guards on Your Drainage Pipes

If you have a basement in a flood zone, your sewer lines and basement floor drains do a lot of work during the rainy season and may quickly become clogged. When this happens, sewage water finds its way back into your home and may flood the basement.

Backwater valves prevent flooding caused by drainage backups. When you place a backwater valve on your drain pipes, it closes whenever water backs up the drain, cutting off the flow. As a result, no water can get into your home.

Floor drains are also vulnerable to water backups during floods. However, you can use a flood guard to keep water from backing up your floor drains. When water begins backing up your floor drains, it pushes the float found inside the flood guard causing it to seal the drain opening.

The float lowers when water starts flowing down the drain, unsealing the pipes.

4. Waterproof Your Window Wells

If you have below-level basement windows, they may let water into the basement if not properly sealed. One way to waterproof your window wells is to add covers to your window wells. Window well covers fasten your foundation, preventing water from seeping into your basement.

Do not worry about the covers blocking light from entering your basement. Window well covers come in various types, including clear ones. Clear acrylic covers allow light into the basement while waterproofing our window wells.

Improperly installed window well covers are ineffective in preventing basement flooding. Thus, avoid DIY window well cover installation jobs. Instead, enlist a basement waterproofing professional to seal your window wells properly.

Another alternative to waterproofing your window wells is installing window well drains. These drains direct excess water away from your window wells and your home. Doing so reduces water buildup inside window wells, eliminating the risk of flooding.

5. Install Downspout Extensions

Improper drainage from your downspouts may cause severe basement flooding. Without extensions, downspouts drain water near the base of your home’s foundation.

When vast amounts of water flow through your downspouts, the water seeps into the foundation. If your foundation has cracks, the water soon fills your basement. You can prevent basement flooding by installing downspout extensions.

Downspout extensions channel rainwater away from your foundation and drain it safely away from your home. You will encounter drainage problems if your gutters and downspout extensions are clogged. Therefore, ensure you clean them regularly.

Use the Above Basement Flooding Solutions

Basement flooding exposes your home to significant water damage. Restoring a flooded basement is not an easy job.

After floods, you may spend a lot of money on water damage restoration to other parts of the house. Given the costs of restoring your home after floods, it is best to prevent the floods from happening in the first place.

By using the basement flooding solutions mentioned in this article, you can be confident that your home is dry throughout the wet seasons.

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