A flooded basement is something all homeowners do not appreciate. Aside from the costly water damage restoration service it takes to bring the basement back to its normal state, it’s also challenging to prevent molds from developing due to the moisture left in the area. However, there are many ways to prevent basement flooding at home, and here are some of them.

1. Keep Gutters Clear

Gutters prevent heavy rain and wet ground from damaging the foundation of your home’s exterior. However, if it gets clogged, water would flow freely towards your home’s foundation, giving bacteria and mold the opportunity to grow. Homeowners should regularly clean off fallen leaves and debris at the gutters to avoid water rerouting and ensure it is free of any holes.

2. Grade the Yard

Making sure that the yard is away from your basement’s foundation is one of the best ways to prevent basement flooding. If the yard is sloped upward toward the street, water would run off the yard into the street and not directly drain on the basement. Sloping the yard downward towards the road can also have the same effect.

3. Run a Dehumidifier

A dehumidifier prevents moisture from accumulating in the basement, reducing the risk of mold and mildew growth. Dehumidifiers are more effective during periods of heavy rain. Unfortunately, dehumidifiers are not very effective in protecting the basement from flooding during heavy rains, but it is still one of the best ways to prevent basement flooding at home.

4. Seal Foundation Cracks

Water can easily seep through cracks in the foundation and flood the basement. To ensure that leaks do not seep in, homeowners should seal the foundation cracks with silicone caulk. However, homeowners should know that this is a temporary solution, as cracks in the foundation often reappear over time. If a home has a history of a cracked foundation or signs of foundation shifting, it should get repaired as soon as possible.

5. Cover Basement Windows

Basement windows are not very effective in providing light to the basement. However, they tend to leak when it rains heavily—this is where plastic coverings come into the picture. Covering the basement window with plastic helps prevent rain from entering the basement. However, covering windows is only effective in controlling basement flooding during heavy rains.

Adverse Effects of a Flooded Basement to the House

1. Various Health Risks

A flooded basement is not only the cause of a significant amount of water damage but also a breeding ground for harmful bacteria, molds, and mildews. Prevention of basement flooding is the best way to protect your home.

2. Structural Damage

Floodwater can do significant damage to the exterior and interior of your home. It is especially true if your home is made of wood. If the water is not removed immediately, it can rot the wood and destroy the walls, causing cracks in the foundation. To prevent this from happening, you should call for a basement water cleanup service as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Basement flooding can significantly reduce the value of your home and end up costing you more in repairs than what an appraisal would tell. Fortunately, preventing basement flooding is not difficult if you follow the tips above.

Dealing with flooding isn’t only a headache, but it can also be a health hazard. If your basement is flooded or you suspect it’s flooding, immediately contact a water cleanup company or call your city or county for mold mitigation services.

Swift Restoration offers 24-hour emergency restoration services in Florida. Our goal is to help homeowners recover from basement flooding and ensure that they will not experience further damage through water damage restoration services. Let us help you keep your basement dry and free from mold by booking an appointment with us today.