Prevent basement flooding with these simple precautions suggested by SERVPRO

4/16/2022 (Permalink)

Blog summary: The SERVPRO blog explains how homeowners can protect their basement from flooding and water damage.

Top tips to prevent basement flooding in homes

According to industry estimates, 14,000 people in the US experience a water damage emergency at home or work each day, and 98% of basements in the US suffer from some or the other type of water damage during their lifetime. The average cost involved with basement flooding, damage repair, and cleanup fall between $3,000 and $5,000, sometimes more depending on the severity of the incident. The best practice is to proactively take measures to prevent or mitigate the potential water damage that a flooded basement may cause. SERVPRO shares some of these measures below in the blog. 

1. Inspect the roof gutters

Natural debris such as twigs, acorns, and leaves during spring and autumn often collect to block gutters. During rains, the water fails to get drained as the gutters are blocked by this debris. As a result, the water pools around the property’s perimeter and siding, eventually draining into the basement. This further leads to cracks and mold in the foundation that can escalate into big restoration costs. Clearing the gutters is the first step towards preventing basement flooding.

2. Clean the downspouts

The natural debris can jam a downspout and push water through seams or back water up to the top. Inserting a long water hose with a high-pressure nozzle into the downspout from the roofline and forcing the water to push debris all the way through can help clear the downspouts.

• The downspout should ideally drain the water at least 6 to 12 feet away from the home foundations. 
• A metal downspout extension is more durable than the plastic ones and less prone to breakage.
• Install underground PVC drain pipes to direct water to the front or back yards, without flooding the neighbors’ basements.
• Connect the downspout to a dry well with a drainage pipe buried in a trench and packed in stone. The pipe runs at a gradual downward pitch of at least 15 feet or more from the downspout until it reaches a bubbler pot, where the water percolates into the hardpan clay soil. From here, the water will migrate away from your house.

3. Grade the ground

Grading is a crucial measure to prevent basement flooding. It can be done by following one or all of the given methods:

• A lawn that slopes downward away from the house at 1-inch per foot for 10 feet protects the basement from water backups.
• Installing French drains is another method to prevent water from leaking into the basement. 
• Creating a dry creek around the house and splicing the lawn in a specific way can direct all excess water into the creek. 
• Building a porous pavement around the house can help absorb rainwater and thawing snow.

4. Dehumidify

Basements are prone to dampness and mold due to their proximity to the earth and the inadequate ventilation. A 24x7 dehumidifier, especially during the humid months of April through October, can dry the condensation that appears on the foundation walls in summer. This is, however, not a permanent solution because by drying the basement the moisture is drawn into the basement more rapidly causing efflorescence and spalling of concrete and further damage to interior finishes. 

5. Repair foundation cracks

Concrete foundations in new homes often settle leading to minor, vertical cracks, which is expected. Hydraulic cement works great for patching holes in a foundation because it can be set up even underwater, and it expands as it sets to seal the hole and lock the plug in place. Homeowners can seal hairline faults with an epoxy sealant or polyurethane foam injection but persistent cracks must be addressed by a professional contractor.

6. Test the sump pump

Sump pumps are lifesavers in the event of flooding caused by storms. By ensuring that the sump pump is well-maintained home, powered by a 120-volt backup battery and a check valve, homeowners can handle the flooding even during power outages that are common after storms. Notably, the pump should drain outside and far away from the home perimeter to prevent pooling and water backup.

7. Install window well covers

Homeowners must select a basement window well cover made from strong acrylic plastic that’s both durable and backed by a guarantee. Installing a custom basement window can help prevent water pooling in the well after heavy rainfall. This cover should be securely fastened to the concrete foundation to prevent the water from seeping in from the sides. It is also important to install the right window well size in the right way besides ensuring adequate drainage. 

Why SERVPRO?

Faster to Any Size Emergency

No matter where and how big the disaster is, SERVPRO offers storm damage restoration services across 1,700 US and Canadian franchise locations swiftly. The vast network of resources available to SERVPRO enables it to act immediately and efficiently. A 24X7 emergency response gives SERVPRO the ability to arrest any disaster quickly and save huge amounts of money, time, and energy. 

Advanced Technology 

SERVPRO is a flood restoration company that uses state-of-the-art equipment to bring the damaged property back to its original state. SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant County is always updating its fleet and equipment so clients in Southlake, Grapevine, Keller, or anywhere else can quickly access the services. 

Certified Professionals

The SERVPRO staff is highly trained in the water damage restoration process and other restoration services. They receive initial in-house training and constant skill up-gradation at the corporate training facility and also acquire the regular IICRC-industry certification.

For flood restoration services, contact Team Shaw of SERVPRO of Grapevine / NE Tarrant County at (817) 595-2506 or e-mail at office@SERVPROheb.com