Basement Flooding

Storms, floods, leaking pipes, overflowing sinks, drain and sewer back-ups, and the subsequent rapid accumulation of water run-off increase the risk of flooding in homes, especially in basements. Because basements are basically holes in the ground, they are more susceptible to moisture and water damage. Protect your property and valuables by preparing your basement.

HOW TO PREVENT WATER DAMAGE IN YOUR BASEMENT

• Dehumidifier – Get a high-quality dehumidifier (at least 65-
70 pints per day capacity) to control the amount of humidity
in your basement mainly between April and October. Choose
a model that has a drain hose which allows water to drain
directly into a floor drain or sink. Clean the dehumidifier coils
once a month to prevent them from clogging.
• Plastic Vapor Barrier – Excess moisture caused by leaks,
condensation, or other water problems are soaked up by
carpet or hardwood floors, causing water damage and mold.
Have a plastic vapor barrier installed between the carpet and
concrete floor to avoid these problems. Use synthetic carpets
for your basement, such as those made from polypropylene.
• Drywall – Poorly installed drywall can absorb moisture.
Make sure the drywall in your basement is installed at least
one inch above the concrete floor. If there is no gap between
the drywall and floor, cut out one inch at the bottom.
• Sump Pumps – These devices are your home’s first line of
defense against flooding. Sump pumps help divert unwanted
water that has accumulated around the foundation away
from your home. Make sure your sump pump has a reliable
backup power supply (120 volts) that can last during an
extended power outage. Install a backup sump pump as well
for extra protection.
• Foundation Cracks – As a house shifts and settles, gaps
and cracks may occur in the foundation. Leaks and signs of
moisture on the basement floor and walls are indicators of
foundation cracks. Fill these cracks with epoxy or inject them
with high-pressure polyurethane foam.

Water Alert System – Even if you have a sump pump, you
should be alerted when your basement floods. Water leak
detectors (or sensors) emit an alarm when they detect water,
giving you time to act accordingly. Leak detectors can be
placed near areas that are prone to water damage: on
sump pumps, near water-bearing fixtures, and behind
or beneath pipes.
• Gutters and Downspouts – Keep gutters and downspouts
clear of debris and in good condition. Blocked gutters may
cause roof water to pour on the foundation, increasing the
risk of basement flooding. Downspouts should extend at
least six inches from your house via downspout extensions.
• Landscape Slope – The grade around your house should
slope one inch down for each 12 inches away from the house.
This way, rain or floodwater drain away from your home’s
foundation. Fill any depressions in the ground next to the
foundation walls with dirt or hire a professional landscaper
to do so. The pavement should also slope away from
your home.
• Window Wells and Covers – Remove leaves, sticks or other
debris from your window wells to eliminate potential causes
for water accumulation. Add fresh gravel to the bottom of
window wells to improve water drainage. Install window well
covers to protect them from debris and water intrusion.
• Roof Rain Diverters – If you notice excess water collecting
near your home’s foundation, you may need to install roof
rain diverters. These prevent rainwater from draining onto
sensitive areas around your home, redirecting it elsewhere.
• Backflow Valves – Backflow valves are usually installed
on washing machine drain lines, laundry sinks, rain
downspouts, and sump pumps, as well as sewer/septic
connections. They are gate-like devices to keep water from
backing up into your basement. Make sure to check with
local officials to find out if these devices are allowed in your
community
• French Drains –If your basement is particularly prone to
flooding, install French drains. They are gravel-filled trenches
around your house that capture and transport water a safe
distance away from the house.
• Flood Insurance – Most homeowners’ insurance policies
don’t cover flooding or sewer backups so review your
property insurance policy and consider obtaining flood
insurance and other additional coverage. Note that flood
insurance policies normally take effect 30 days from the date
of purchase.

Following these guidelines can help you prevent basement flooding. After a flood or water damage problem, always hire a professional restoration company, such as PuroClean of Massapequa. Our professional technicians will extract any standing water, contain & remove mold or mildew, and dry & dehumidify your property using advanced drying techniques and state of the art water damage restoration techniques.