How to Prevent your Basement from Flooding During Bad Weather

When you learn about flooded basements you will find that they are more than just a problem when trying to drain them. When water infiltrates your home this way, it introduces new dangers that can actually make it unsafe to live there. One of the biggest dangers is that of mold and mildew. It has already been established that when mold and mildew form, they can cause respiratory illness that is very dangerous to the elderly and very young even in the short term. To avoid such dangers, one should institute precautions, especially if you live in an area where stormy weather tends to occur.

When excessive rainfall happens, it will automatically fall on the earth and take the path of least resistance into the ground. Many people construct hard surfaces around the home whose gradient is favorable to water draining against the walls. This is a mistake as the increased water will likely infiltrate and possibly seep in through basement walls. It is important to watch out where uncovered depressions around the home lie when paving and laying out paths. It is also important that you regularly clean and inspect your gutters. When water falls on the roof, it will collect in the gutters and drain where the spout ends. You can reduce the amount of water exposure from this by ensuring your gutters have no leaks or blockages, and that they lead far away from the house where the slope sends the water away from the walls.

A sump pump is also a wise investment for any home where flooding can be caused by water table levels rising or higher infiltration from nearby water bodies. Having a back up pump and regularly servicing them is a good idea. A back up power source to ensure continued functioning even during blackouts is also prudent.