How to prevent basement flooding
We all love curling up by the fire when it rains. It's not so fun to discover a pool in your basement the next day. You will be surprised how many preventive measures you can take to keep your basement dry.
First of all, keep your gutters clean of leaves and sticks.
You can do this by simply removing the debris and/or using a leaf blower or yard vac. These are readily available at your local Sears or Home Depot.
Also use an aluminum gutter strainer to prevent water overflows from clogged downspouts.
Secondly, have a sump pump installed in your basement if you don't have one. You can buy one at a True Value or Home Depot and install yourself or hire a plumber to do it for you. It is also a good idea to have a battery back-up pump in case the power goes out or your main sump pump fails.
Better yet, consider a back-up generator that can restore power to key areas in your house (including the basement sump pump) in the event of a storm when there is a power outage. I would recommend a Guardian brand generator made by Generac power systems. Most think they can get by with just this battery back-up pump. But keep in mind, that small back-up pump and battery will not have the capacity to pump out enough water fast enough during a long and heavy storm. A generator is expensive but a good long-term investment and will not only give you peace of mind but also add value to your house.
Occasionally check upon your window wells and clean out excessive leaves and debris which may be clogging the drain tiles.
Finally, seal any threatening (large) cracks in the basement foundation walls to prevent potential seepage. There are contractors in your area that can provide this service.
Enjoy the rain, but stay alert during storms.
