One of the most common areas prone to flooding in the house is the basement. This can be caused by different things, including malfunctioning washing machines or water heaters, water seeping through cracks, or sump pump failure. Unfortunately, basement flooding can cause you a lot of money in terms of damage. It is particularly worse for people who have transformed their basements into living spaces. Here are a few measures you can take to protect the basement of your Rochester home from flooding.
Check for Signs of Pipe Damage
A damaged pipe might leak and eventually burst, causing your basement to flood. If you suspect your pipe might be damaged, check your basement. If there is any wetness, start planning for repairs. But if the amount of water is significant, you need emergency plumbing services. According to Forbes, on average, the cost of a freezing claim or water damage is around $11,000. You can save yourself such trouble by addressing the issue immediately. Also, if you notice an acrid and musty smell around your home or see mold on the wall, that means moisture is present. A damaged pipe might be leaking, and if not fixed, you will have a bigger issue on your hands.
Seal Your Basement Properly
While this is a necessary and logical step, most homeowners do not do it often. Sealing any openings in your basement will help keep it dry. That means ensuring the windows are caulked and weatherstripping the doors to prevent moisture from penetrating inside. If the walls are cracked, and water is seeping through, call a basement waterproofing company for assistance.
Install a Sump Pump
Sump pumps are an important component in protecting your basement against flooding. If you have not bought one already, you should make this a priority. A sump pump works together with a sump pit. If your basement starts flooding, the sump pump will pump out the water before it can cause damage. The device is readily available in hardware stores near you. You can also check online as google has made searches easier. As of January 2020, approximately 95.58 percent of all Google searches are four words or more. That means you have the freedom to narrow down your search and get what you want. In this case, you can type in something like ‘affordable sump pumps in Rochester.’ You will get several suggestions, and you can choose the one that works for you. And if you already have a sump pump, ensure it is serviced regularly to keep it working in excellent condition.
Keep Your Gutters and Downspouts Clean
Gutters and downspouts are supposed to collect rainwater or melting ice and channel it away from your foundation. Leaves, branches, and other forms of debris can clog them preventing them from doing their job. When water overflows from your gutters, it is likely to seep through your foundation and into your basement. Schedule for cleaning 3 to 4 times to remove dirt and allow water to drain properly.
Inspect Your Water Heater
A common cause of flooding in the basement is a leaking water heater. This is something that can easily be prevented by inspecting your water heater often. According to Ipropertymanagement.com, about 98% of basements experience some type of water damage. This is because issues like a leaking water heater are not addressed in time. Watch out for red flags like small leaks, puddles on the floor, or strange noises coming from your water heater, and address the problem before it gets worse.
Check Your Foundation for Cracks
Inspect your foundation and if you notice any cracks, seal them with caulk. However, if the cracks are huge, have a professional fix them before they cause extensive damage to your basement.
With these few tips, you can reduce the chances of your basement flooding, which leads to a severe financial loss. If you notice any moisture around your home, have it checked immediately as the problem can escalate.
