With summer comes warmer temperatures, cookouts, and trips to the beach. However, the hot season can also bring in heavy rain and flooding in some areas, which can bring unwanted water to your basement and other parts of the house. We recently flooded you with tips on dealing with the issue after it occurs so it only makes sense that we give you some ideas on how to prevent the disaster before it enters your home.
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Sump Pumps
A simple and effective solution would be to use a sump pump, which we covered in detail in a previous post. In short, the device allows water to collect in a pit before it’s pumped away from the house. For most households, we recommend a battery-powered pump in the event that you experience a power outage when your basement is full of water.
Dirt-Free Gutters
Another way to prevent flooding is to clean out your gutters, which can contain leaves, sticks, and dirt from the fall or winter seasons. With warmer weather and clear skies on the way, you should set aside some time on a nice afternoon to clean out the gunk. If left unchecked, water will eventually accumulate underneath gutters, which can lead to flooding.
Longer Downspouts
You can also extend the downspouts, which are pipes that you connect to the end of your gutters to direct water away from your home. By increasing its length, you can use a downspout to transport rain water to the sidewalk or street rather than letting it accumulate on your driveway or lawn. Speaking of lawns…
Soil Angles
You should also check the soil on your lawn, especially near the foundation of your home. If the soil is sloped towards the house, you’re more likely to get some flooding. You can change the angle so that it turns away from your house, but you might need to pay a heavy sum in landscaping fees to make it happen.
Foundation Cracks
One final ounce of prevention is to check your foundation for cracks. These tiny openings allow water into your home, which can expand to unsafe widths. Fortunately, you can repair these cracks yourself. Small cracks are repaired with a concrete patcher, but you’ll need caulk to close the larger gaps. Don’t forget to apply a coat of sealant to the newly-closed area before packing up for the day.