Basement flooding doesn’t just leave you with a mess to clean up, it can also cause extensive and expensive water damage. Instead of waiting to see if your basement floods this spring, you can avoid dealing with the aftermath by taking smart steps to keep any water out. Here is what you should do.

Inspect Your Gutter System

Seal any gaps or leaks, secure all connections and make sure each downspout is well attached and properly positioned. If a draining downspout is depositing water close to your foundation, add extension troughs so it’s routed at least three feet away. Additionally, keep the gutters free of any debris that might impede water flow and cause it to back up or overflow.

Get Foundation Cracks Fixed

Check for cracks on the exterior of the foundation, as well as on any unfinished basement walls. Minor cracks should be sealed with epoxy outdoors and masonry sealant indoors. If you find any extensive cracking or wider gaps, you should talk to a basement waterproofing specialist.

Have a Functional Sump Pump

Test your pump so you know for sure that it’s in working condition, then clear the pit of any debris. If you don’t have a generator to keep the pump going if a storm causes a power outage, you should have it on a battery backup.

Give the Sewer System Some TLC

When the soil becomes saturated by spring rains, your basement is vulnerable to a sewer line backup. To lower the risk of this happening, have the tank pumped out if you’re on a septic system, and get your main sewer line checked by a plumbing professional who can clear any obstructions.

Assess Your Foundation Grading

An inadequate slope around the foundation can let water into your basement during or after a rain. You can lessen the likelihood of this by making sure the soil stops at least four inches from the top of your foundation, and that it slopes away at an inch per foot.

For more tips on preventing basement flooding in your Peachtree City home, contact us at Powers Heating & Air.

Our goal is to help educate our customers in Peachtree City, Georgia and surrounding areas about energy and home comfort issues (specific to HVAC systems). For more information about other HVAC topics, download our free Home Comfort Guide or call us at 770-487-2040.

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