Dipping your toes in the water is a fun summertime activity and a great way to cool off on a hot, humid day. But when you find yourself standing ankle HVAC solutions deep in water in your basement, it’s not exactly anyone’s idea of a good time.

Yet when spring is on the way, it’s not uncommon for rain, ice and snow melt, and ground thaw to send water into all sorts of places, including through your foundation and into the basement. Once inside, it doesn’t take long for water to destroy finishes, fixtures, appliances, furniture, and other belongings – all while inviting mold, mildew, and wood rot to the party.

Knowing common causes of water seepage and how to prevent them can go a long way toward keeping your basement clean and dry.

Basement flooding can occur due to:

  • A rise in groundwater due to over-saturated soil
  • Poor drainage
  • Sump pump failure
  • Damaged and clogged downspouts and gutters
  • Cracked and porous foundation
  • An over-burdened septic system or clogged sewer

Here are 5 steps you can take to help reduce your risk of basement flooding.

  1. Clean gutters at least twice a year (spring and fall) and make sure that water flows freely through all downspouts. Downspouts should extend three feet away from your house; if not, add extensions.
  2. Take a walk around the exterior and inspect the foundation for cracks. Notice new ones? Do any seem to have gotten bigger? Seal them with epoxy or contact a foundation professional to assess and repair.
  3. Install window well covers to keep rain, leaves, and pests outside where they belong. Make sure the covers fit securely around the windows.
  4. Check your sump pump to ensure it’s working, and the pit is free of debris. And remember, a sump pump only works if you have power, so if you live in a flood-prone area or one prone to power outages, consider installing a back-up pump.
  5. Most home insurance policies don’t cover flooding. Does yours? Maybe now’s a god time to check.

At PC Plumbing, Heating, AC & Remodeling, we maintain and repair all makes and models of sump pumps. We also install new main and back-up pumps. Why a back-up? A battery- or water-powered back-up pump will start working the moment your main pump stops due either to a breakdown or a sudden loss of electricity. That way, even if you’re not home, you needn’t worry about coming home to a water mess. For more information or to schedule service, contact us today.