Summer is thunderstorm season. Yes, those storms can cool things off and are good for the lawn and garden. But they can also lead to expensive and inconvenient basement flooding. We constantly remind (nag) you of plumbing to do’s to prevent flooding – installing and maintaining sump pumps and having your sewer line rodded. But here are many other things you can do to avoid water in your basement. For the most part, they are relatively inexpensive.

  1. Clean your gutters and downspouts now and after the leaves come down in the fall. If they are cluttered, the water can pour down from your roof and pool against your home, eventually getting in.
  2. Extend your downspouts as far away from your house as possible. Three feet from the foundation is a good idea.
  3. Regrade the surface around your home to make sure the water flows away from your home.
  4. Check for cracks in your foundation where water can sneak in. Fill small cracks with epoxy. For more extreme cracks, call a professional.
  5. Install window well covers. Clear acrylic covers allow light to enter, even as they keep out rain, leaves, and pests.
  6. Purchase a generator for emergency power in case your power goes out and as added protection if your back-up fails. The generator will also help power important appliances like your refrigerator.
  7. Just to be safe, make sure you do not have important possessions, electronics, or important papers on the floor. You don’t want them ruined if you do flood.
  8. Just in case everything fails, make sure you have flood insurance.