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Simple Ways to Prevent Flood Damage

Mother Nature hasn’t been in the best of moods this summer. Severe thunderstorms have pummeled the Stateline over the last month, especially this past week, when we received more than five inches of rain in less than 72 hours!

As you’ve most likely seen in the local news or in your own backyard, the storms have caused considerable damage and widespread flooding throughout the area. Floodwaters have closed down several roadways and have hit thousands of local homes and businesses.

Flood damage can be a homeowner’s worst nightmare. And it doesn’t take three feet of water to cause catastrophic damage in your home. Just a few inches of water can destroy flooring, drywall, siding and electric work – all of which adds up pretty quickly!

Naturally, because they’re at the lowest level possible, our basements are the areas of our homes that are most prone to flooding. Protect your basement – and your home – from thousands of dollars in possible damages by following these tips to prevent water damage during a heavy rainstorm.

  • Make sure your sump pump is working properly
    Sump pumps are one of the most underappreciated appliances in our homes today. However, when it comes to preventing flood damage, they’re a serious life saver. Sump pumps sit at the bottom of a pit in our basement called – you guessed it – a sump pit. It’s the lowest point in our home and it collects excess water that would otherwise have nowhere to go in our basement. Once the pit fills to a certain level, the sump pump turns on and sends the water up through a discharge pipe and safely away from your home. However, if the pump fails to do its job, the pit can overflow and cause major flooding damage. Check out one of our previous blogs to make sure your sump pump continues to work and keep your basement flood-free. And remember – Pearson is just a phone call away if you need the help of a professional!
  • Invest in a backup for your sump pump
    Most sump pumps are equipped with a battery that gives it the power to move excess water away from the sump pit. However, a series of storms like the ones we just experienced can put a massive strain on the battery and cause it to burn out. When this happens, the sump pump can’t do its job, allowing water to collect and overflow from the pit. If you live in an area that’s prone to flooding, it’s a good idea to invest in a backup power source for your sump pump. There are a number of different options available that can fit your needs as a homeowner.
  • Clean your gutters and check your downspouts
    Gutters are designed to keep water from collecting near our homes and seeping into our basements. The excess rainwater flows through the gutters and eventually ends up safely away from our home after traveling through a downspout. One of the most common causes of basement flooding is having gutters that aren’t properly maintained. Debris can easily pile up and cause gutters to overflow and allow water to collect by your home. Get up on a ladder and take a look at the inside of your gutters. Use a garden hose to help flush leaves and debris away, then remove them from the gutter. Check your downspouts to make sure they’re properly attached and extend at least two feet away from the side of your house. Repeat these steps every spring and fall for free-flowing gutters that will keep excess rainwater out of your basement!
  • Look for cracks in your foundation
    Cracks in your foundation can allow rainwater to travel into your basement in two ways – through water that collets at the surface and water that absorbs into the ground. Take a look around the exterior of your home and inspect for any cracks that run down into basement. If you see any cracks forming, seal it up with a concrete sealant or strong epoxy. Next, take a look at the interior walls of your basement and seal those as well. If you notice a few cracks that are longer than two feet in length, it may be time to consult a professional.

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