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A flooded basement is no joke. It is a stressful and sometimes costly event when the only solution is water damage cleaning. However, by taking these few simple steps you may be able to avoid basement flooding altogether. And while certain natural disasters can result in a water-filled basement no matter how well-prepared you are, these steps can potentially lead to less damages associated with flooding in your basement. Restoration Doctor professionals are experts in dealing with water damage due to flooding. Here are our tips for avoiding flooding in your basement:

Step #1: Maintain Gutters

 

Cleaning your gutters and maintaining your downspouts to keep them free on debris. Your downspouts need to be properly positioned away from the foundation so that water from rain and storms will flow freely. This will prevent flooding in your basement. Make sure that your downspouts are directing water three feet or more away from your foundation. You can do this by implementing downspout extensions or troughs. Maintaining your gutters and your downspouts is a relatively simple and inexpensive and will save you on a water damage cleaning bill.

Step #2: Sump Pumps and a Flooded Basement

 

Sump pump failure is the most frequent cause of basement floods. Sump pumps are installed to combat mold, water damage, and flooding. However, you need to make sure it is properly maintained. Always check to make sure your sump pump is working properly and is plugged in, especially if you know a storm is coming. If you have a generator for the storm, your sump pump is one thing that should always be working. Keep a replacement sump pump on hand, just in case you lose power, or the pump fails. If your basement floods as a result of a broken sump pump, your insurance may not cover it.

Step #3: Inspect Foundation Cracks

 

In cracks in your home’s foundation present the opportunity for flooding in your basement. To prevent flooding or water damage from these inconsistencies, you or a professional should inspect the exterior and interior of your foundation and look for any cracks. This is especially important to do in preparation for a storm. You can fill these cracks with epoxy for a quick fix or hire a professional for more serious foundation concerns.

Step #4: Install Window Covers

Window well covers need to be fastened on below-grade basement windows. This do a fantastic job of preventing a flooded basement when they are fastened correctly and securely over your basement windows and latched to your home’s foundation. Clear acrylic window well covers can help light flow more evenly through your basement.

Step #5: Properly Landscape Your Yard

 

Your garden could be a contributor to your basement flooding problem. This or the slope of your yard can be major contributing factors for basement flooding. Water will pool up wherever the slope of your yard leads to and eventually find its way into your basement. You can hire landscaping professional to address this issue or install a French drain.

If you need water damage cleaning, contact us at Restoration Doctor.