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As the weather warms up and the snow begins to melt, water starts to accumulate around your home, which can cause flooding. To prevent costly damage this season, use our simple fixes and maintenance tips to protect your basement from flooding.

Clean Gutters and Downspouts Regularly

One of the easiest ways to protect your basement from flooding is to clean your gutters and maintain your downspouts regularly. By keeping your gutters clean, rainwater will flow freely instead of pooling up against your house. Although it requires a bit of manual labour, it’s a simple and inexpensive task that will protect your home for years to come.

Maintain Your Sump Pump

Did you know the most frequent cause of flooding in the basement is due to sump pump failure? If you have a sump pump at home, you already have an excellent defence against water damage and flooding. But only if your sump pump is maintained correctly and is in good working condition. Check regularly to ensure that your sump pump is functioning correctly, and it’s plugged in. It’s also worth considering investing in a generator for your sump pump in case you lose power, or the pump fails during a heavy storm.

Seal Cracks

Cracks in your foundation or windows are another frequent cause of basement flooding. If you want to protect your basement from flooding, check your windows thoroughly for a water-tight seal. If you notice any leaks or cracks in your home’s foundation, fix it by using hydraulic cement or caulk. Repairing cracks and using interior basement waterproofing techniques on your foundation are two of the best steps you can take to prevent floods.

Ensure Your Plumbing is Up to Date

If you’re looking to protect your basement from flooding, you need to make sure your plumbing and drainage systems are in good working order. Some good rules to follow to maintain your plumbing are to always fix cracks and blockages. Do not flush dental floss, Q-tips, or personal care products like baby wipes. Never pour fats, oils, and grease down the drain. Make sure you have a backwater valve and properly-sized piping, and everything has been installed and verified by a licensed plumber.

Direct Water Away from your Foundation

Make sure your property has the proper grading. Grading refers to the level of your ground, and it controls which direction the rainwater moves around your house. Adequate grading forces rainwater to flow away from your foundation. Extend your gutter’s downspouts approximately 10’ away from your foundation to make sure any water is evacuated correctly. But, if you think your ground may need re-grading, it’s a good idea to talk with an expert.
When it comes to protecting your basement from flooding, being a proactive homeowner goes a long way. If you follow these five tips, you’ll spot small and fixable issues before they become full-blown disasters. For more helpful tips and tricks around the home, don’t forget to read our blog.