When the rainy season starts, families in the Ozarks are no strangers to flooding. There's a sinking feeling when you have to wade through a basement full of water and assess the damage. It can be a major project having to clean up and fully restore a flooded basement, but thankfully, such a stressful situation can be avoided. Here are some tips for preventing flooded basements with everything from keeping the gutters clean to sump pump installation in Springfield Missouri.
Inspect Your Foundation
Water has a way of sneaking in through cracks and other holes in your home’s foundation. If you have an older home that has been flooding, have a professional give your basement a thorough inspection to ensure that all cracks are sealed and any damage is repaired so water can’t get in.
Keep Your Floor Drains Clean
Floor drains are designed to prevent flooding, but as with any drain, they can become clogged with debris over time that prevents them from doing their job. If you're having trouble with flooding, having drain cleaning professional take a look at your basement’s floor drains to make sure they are clear and ready in case of a flooding situation.
Check Your Gutters
Gutters can become obstructed if they aren't cleaned on a regular basis. If leaves and dirt pile up in the gutters around your home, they won’t be capable of diverting rainwater from the foundation. If that happens, water may pool around your home and find its way where it doesn’t belong—inside your basement.
Watch How Much You Water The Plants
You might not think of this, but some homeowners have their sprinkler systems set to water their lawns and gardens more than necessary. That excessive water can trickle down into the basement. Taking pride in your green lawn is a good thing, but if you're getting water in your basement, consider watering a little less.
Install And Maintain A Sump Pump
If water does get into your basement, a sump pump is designed to pump it right back out. Sump pump installation in Springfield Missouri is one of the most reliable ways to prevent your basement from flooding. If you have a sump pump, be sure to maintain it by keeping the filter and pump grates clean. Test your pump by pouring several gallons into it and checking to see if it moves the water away as it should. It’s always best to make sure your pump is in working order before you need it, not after.
Check Your Plumbing
Water leaks in your pipes can quickly deteriorate into a full-on flooding emergency, so if you notice any wet spots and there hasn't been any rain, a look at your home’s plumbing might be in order. In such instances, calling your friendly neighborhood plumber in Springfield, Missouri can make the process simple and painless. United Plumbing is here to help keep your home nice and dry with the best plumbing service in the area.