How to Prevent Basement Flooding: A Checklist
Flooding is a nightmare. But you don’t have to be caught off-guard or panic every time it rains.
Preparing for a flood can help you prevent thousands of dollars of repairs down the line. You can protect your home a few days before the floodwaters rise or well in advance; either way, you’ll have a better chance of retaining your home’s value.
Why not explore the steps that could save you time, stress, and money? Learn more with our guide, which is full of helpful tips.
5 Best Practices for Flood-Proofing Your Home
If you’re looking to protect your home against a flood with only a day or two to spare, there are several quick and effective options you can consider:
1. Installing a Sump Pump
If you want to bring a trustworthy, anti-flood measure into your home, you’ll want to talk with a professional about sump pump installation. Sump pumps actively remove water from your basement and can pump out thousands of gallons of water per hour. The installation cost will vary based on the brand you’re interested in investing in. All sump pumps, however, will keep water out of and away from your home.
It’s always worthwhile to invest in a battery backup sump pump as well as a traditional pump. Your battery backup will continue working even if the power goes out. These pumps are just as strong as traditional pumps, making them a cost-effective addition to your existing anti-flood strategy.
2. Investing in Backflow Drain Valves
Talk to a local professional about installing backflow drain valves. These valves are attached to the drains throughout your home and protect you if your sewer or other utilities overflow. Not only do backflow drains keep water out of your home, but they’ll prevent an influx of sewage as well.
3. Using Smart Water Sensors
Interested in using technology to your advantage? Place smart water sensors in the lowest parts of your basement. These sensors will ping an app on your phone if water starts to fill your basement. You’ll be able to respond to flooding quickly and safely. You can also share the data you gather with local contractors after the storm has passed so you can better shop for localized waterproofing measures.
4. Inspecting Your Gutters and Downspouts
Before a storm rolls in, make sure your gutters and downspouts are clear and appropriately aligned. When clear, your gutters keep water away from the perimeter of your home and protect your foundation from excessive hydrostatic pressure. Downspouts help direct water from the gutters away from your home. Make sure they are not pointing near a foundation wall.
5. Moving Possessions to Higher Ground
Sometimes, simple solutions are among the best you have at your disposal. If you have belongings, paperwork, or other precious items you want to protect from water damage, consider storing them in your basement’s highest points. This prevents most flood runoff from reaching them.
4 Ways to Prevent Flood Damage
While you will have the opportunity to act in the days preceding a significant flood, you won’t always be able to predict when the weather will turn. With this in mind, you can invest in anti-flood measures long before the risk of a flood arises. Some of the best steps to take when protecting your home include:
1. Installing Interior Drainage
When paired with a sump pump, interior drainage helps provide comprehensive anti-flood measures for any home. Interior drains sit just below your basement floor and atop the footing. They are specially designed with a wall flange and perforations to accept seeping water from the walls and floor. The collected water drains into the sump pump system to be pumped out of and away from your home.
2. Adding a Flood Vent
Flood vents open your home to floodwaters and yet are still some of the best anti-flooding measures available. Why? Consider this: If water pressure builds up around your home without anywhere to go, it can readily break down your walls and other support structures. Comparatively, if you give that water somewhere to go, courtesy of your flood vents, you’ll exchange minor water damage for a structurally sound home.
3. Keeping Your Utilities Off the Ground
As previously mentioned, it’s never a bad idea to keep your more important belongings off the ground. Consider installing additional shelving units throughout your basement to elevate your utilities and other important appliances.
4. Curtaining Your Exterior Drain
When you’re facing a flood, your drains are your best friends. You do not want a drain to end up clogged before a storm. Consider installing exterior drain curtains. These curtains, designed to look and work like loose gravel, protect your drains from blockage while allowing water to flow freely out of your home. They also add an aesthetic appeal to other anti-flooding measures as they disguise your drains.
Want to keep this checklist handy?
Indiana Foundation Service Helps You Protect Your Home!
When you safeguard your home from flooding with these helpful tools before the weather gets bad, you’ll benefit in more ways than one. Talk to your insurance provider about your anti-flood measures, and you may find your premiums reduced for your efforts.
Want to investigate ways to protect your home from floodwaters? Contact Indiana Foundation service today to schedule a free inspection and estimate. We’re Central Indiana’s trusted provider of reliable basement waterproofing solutions.
Basement Flooding FAQs
Common causes include heavy rainfall, poor drainage, foundation cracks, sewer backups, and faulty sump pumps.
Yes, it can lead to structural damage, mold growth, and decreased property value if not addressed promptly.
It depends on your policy. We recommend checking with your insurance provider and considering additional flood insurance.
Holly Richards-Purpura
Related Resources
Publish Date:
Last Modified Date:
Our Locations
624 North Front Street
Whiteland, IN 46184
2731 Albright Rd
Kokomo, 46902
8 N 3rd St
Lafayette, IN 47901