With warmer temperatures and wetter conditions on the way, some homes are at risk of seasonal basement flooding. While you can’t control the weather, there are a few things you can do as a homeowner to help keep your basement dry.
Ensure Water Flows Away From the House
Occasionally, the landscaping around your home is to be blamed for water buildup around the foundation. Ensure that water is graded in such a way that it slopes away from your home to prevent the accumulation of water.
Surround the Basement With Rocks and Gravel
Adding layers of rocks and gravel around the periphery of the basement is an inexpensive but effective way to help water drain away from your basement quickly. It also reduces moisture accumulation around the house.
Install Window Wells Around Basement Windows
Basement windows can collect and retain water if they haven’t been properly constructed. However, by installing window wells and lining them with gravel, homeowners can prevent water retention and seepage through the windows that can end up pooling on the basement floor.
Install a Basement Drainage System
Chronic basement leaks may require homeowners to install drainage tubing below their basement floor. This drain is connected to your sump pump and will drain the water away, helping to keep your basement nice and dry.
Install a Sump Pump
When it comes to preventing flooding, a sump pump is one of the best options homeowners have. Sump pumps pick up water from a hole positioned at the lowest part of the basement floor and pump it away from the home’s foundation. By hooking your basement drainage system to your sump pump, excess water will be pumped away before it can do real damage to your basement.
It’s important to inspect your basement and find the root cause of the leaks if your basement is taking on water. While basement floods can sometimes be attributed to elements outside the home or within the foundation (like cracks that let moisture seep through), there may also be issues with pipes as well. If your basement is finished, look for signs of leaks behind the drywall, such as stains, peeling paint, or damp plaster. If you have a bathroom in the basement, check the plumbing there as well for any leaks.
Water damage isn’t something to be taken lightly. Taking on water in your basement can lead to mould buildup that can be a health hazard. It will also begin to damage the underlying structure of the home by rotting wood and plaster. The faster you can remove the water – and find and fix the root cause of the problem – the better.
If you have a basement that’s prone to flooding or want to protect your Kelowna-area home from flooding in the future, we can help. Call us today!
