How to Prevent Summer Flooding

If you thought the danger of a flooded basement ended after the spring storms, we have bad news for you. Summer can be just as problematic. Humidity, heavy rains, and storms can all contribute to a wet foundation and flooding the basement, but if the weather is dry and hot, the ground can dry out and cause your foundation to shift. Both extremes can happen in summer, which can leave you trying to figure out how to fix a flooding basement. Fortunately, you can be proactive and keep your basement dry this summer.

• Flood prevention starts with a properly graded yard. A yard that slopes toward your home will carry water to the foundation, where it will seep into your basement. Changing the slope so that it diverts water away from your house will go a long way in preventing basement flooding.
• It’s also advisable to leave a gap between your siding and mulch. Keeping about six inches between your landscaping and your outside walls will help keep moisture from seeping into your basement.
• Clean and properly maintain your gutters and downspouts. Clogged gutters and improperly positioned downspouts will prevent water from flowing freely away from your home. Keep your gutters clear of debris and your downspouts diverting water at least three feet from the house.
• Keep an eye on your foundation. Regularly inspect your foundation, looking for cracks that could allow water into your basement. Look for cracks in the basement walls and floors as well as your foundation’s exterior. If you do spot any cracks, repair them with epoxy, or call in a professional.
• Install and maintain a sump pump. It’s smart to install a sump pump to keep water from building up after a storm, and a backup sump pump in case your first sump pump fails. Once you’ve installed them, check your sump pumps to make sure they’re plugged in and working properly.
• Use window well covers. This is a simple concept- cover your window wells and you’ll help keep water out of your basement. Acrylic window wells will do this without blocking the light.
• Keep up with your septic system. If you don’t want an unpleasant flooding basement cleanup, make sure to maintain a clean septic system. When you skip septic tank cleanings and sewer inspections, you’re asking for the type of plumbing problems that result in more than water flooding the basement.

Sometimes, despite your best efforts, you’ll still end up with a flooding basement. What to do? Call the professionals at Reliable Basement Services for help. A family-owned and operated company, we’ve served the greater Chicagoland area for more than ten years. We offer a full spectrum of basement services, charging reasonable rates for work that includes crack repairs, sump pump systems, basement waterproofing, basement windows, and floor repair. Our consistently high standards have made us an award-winning Chicago basement waterproofing contractor with thousands of satisfied customers. For more information, call (630) 318-4888 or visit our website for a free quote.