During heavy rains, a flooded basement is a legitimate concern. To help keep your below-ground basement dry, here are some proactive steps you can take to help prevent a flooded basement.
Gutters that are full of detritus can block the free flow of water during rainstorms. If the water does not flow freely, it can pool up against your home’s foundation and seep into the basement. And if you don’t like getting on a ladder to clean the gutters, consider installing a leaf guard system. Your downspouts should have extensions on them to direct water at least three feet away from your house.
Sump pumps are responsible for pumping excess groundwater from the basement or crawl space to the outside of your home. They are installed underneath the floor of basements and crawl spaces to collect groundwater before it can threaten to flood your home. Groundwater can easily rise through the cracks in the foundation of your home during long periods of rain, and the sump pump helps prevent that from damaging your basement.
A crack in a foundation is not going to repair itself. A common DIY fix for the cracking is to fill the cracks with epoxy. If basement leaking still persists after filling the cracks, call a professional for an inspection and diagnosis.
The slope of your yard may be contributing to your water issues. If your yard slopes toward your house, then water will be directed toward your home. One common fix is to re-grade your yard or install a French drain to direct the water away from your foundation.
Homes with below-grade basement windows should always be protected with window well covers. When fastened securely over your basement windows, and latched on to your home’s foundation, window well covers help keep your basement dry when it rains.
Concerned about your basement flooding? Contact Mr. Plumber today for a thorough inspection of your Atlanta-area home’s plumbing system.
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