How to Prevent and Deal with Basement Flooding

Basement flooding is one of the most common and costly problems faced by homeowners. It can occur due to a number of reasons, including heavy rains, snowmelt, faulty sump pumps, and sewage backups. Basement flooding can cause significant damage to your home and belongings, and it can also lead to mold growth.

There are a number of steps you can take to prevent basement flooding, including:

-Install a sump pump: A sump pump is a pump that is installed in the lowest part of your basement. It is used to remove water that has accumulated in the basement.

-Install a backwater valve: A backwater valve is a device that is installed in your sewer line. It prevents sewage from backing up into your home.

-Disconnect downspouts: Downspouts should be disconnected from your home’s sewer system. This will allow water to flow away from your home, rather than into your basement.

-Fix leaks: Leaks in your home’s foundation, walls, or roof can allow water to enter your basement. These should be repaired as soon as possible.

If your basement does flood, there are a number of steps you can take to deal with the problem, including:

-Remove water: You should remove any standing water from your basement as soon as possible. This can be done with a wet/dry vacuum or a sump pump.

-Remove wet items: Any items that have been soaked by the floodwater should be removed from the basement. These items should be cleaned and dried as soon as possible.

-Dry the basement: Once the water has been removed, you should use fans and dehumidifiers to dry out the basement.

-Prevent mold: Mold can start to grow within 48 hours of a flood. To prevent mold growth, you should keep the basement dry and well-ventilated.

Sources:

https://www.angieslist.com/articles/4-ways-prevent-basement-flooding.htm

https://www.bobvila.com/articles/prevent-flooded-basement/

https://www.thespruce.com/how-to-deal-with-flooded-basements-2911191