Preventing flooded basements: what you can do right now

While basements are less common in newer homes, they are still part of many homeowner’s daily life. Depending on where you are located, as many as 90% of homes may have a basement attached. And although the extra space is often welcome, basements do come with a few potential problems. Today, we’ll be looking at ways you can prevent basement floods, a common source of homeowner woe. We already have a basic post about what to do if your basement is already flooding, but what if you could prevent the problem before it even happened?

Flood sources

There are two main (and potentially obvious) reasons you might have a flooded basement.

1. The area outside your basement is flooding, leaking water inside
2. Something inside your home has caused water to fill the space

While the first is typically more catastrophic, it can also be slightly more predictable. The national weather service will often issue flash flood watches or warnings during times of inclement weather, giving you potential time to prepare. A basement is the bottom level of your home, so there may only be so much you can do, but it’s good to have a disaster plan in place.

Luckily, the second source of flooding is much more within your control! So what can you do to keep the problem from beginning within?

Preventing basement flooding: options and ideas

One of the most important ways to prevent flooding is to invest in a sump pump if your basement doesn’t already have one. This is essentially a “backup plan” if flooding begins, and can be a lifesaver if something goes wrong when you aren’t home to quickly step in.

Regular, consistent household maintenance will also pay off in more ways than one. Having your pipes checked out and any plumbing issues quickly dealt with can save you major headaches in the long run. While leaks often start small and “harmless,” they can send water through floors or behind walls unseen. The first sign of a major leak might be a minor one, and you can stop it in its tracks before it causes a huge problem.

You should also make sure to keep an eye on water usage in your home. Never leave a running faucet unattended, especially not in a plugged sink or bathtub. Don’t allow toilet or sink blockages to go untreated. Take the time to observe your washing machine and dishwasher from time to time to ensure they run properly.

The bottom line

There may not always be something you can do to prevent a household disaster. That’s part of what makes them so disastrous! But the best way to prevent a flood is to ensure you aren’t causing one by accident. Simple steps can go a long way to keep you safe, healthy, and flood free.

If you’re experiencing dampness or flooding in your home, or if you have any concerns about your basement, please contact the Flood Medix! Our expert team will be happy to advise you.