We talk to a lot of people on a daily basis here at Messmer Mechanical, and people are STILL talking about how rough it was this past winter. The kind that felt like it might never end.
The good news is, it did finally end. But now you have a new risk on the horizon to prepare for. Not frozen pipes. Not a broken down furnace or boiler. But spring rains that can and often do lead to basement flooding.
So that begs the question: do you live in a low-lying area? Or have a property where the ground slopes down to the front and/or or the back of your house? Also, how old is your house? Because if it’s at least fifty years old, our follow-up question is: when was the last time you checked your foundation for cracks?
While there’s really no way to 100% guarantee you’ll experience flooding in your basement or garage, there’s plenty you can do to help prevent it, including:
- If you didn’t have time in the fall, grab a ladder and make sure your gutters are clear of leaves and other debris.
- Point your downspouts away from your home and consider adding extenders if the water is being deposited right near the foundation.
- If you do spot any foundation cracks inside or outside, have them sealed with a water-tight solution.
- Inspect for slow and hidden water leaks by taking a water meter reading before bedtime. Don’t use any water overnight, then take another reading in the morning. If the reading has changed, you have a leak. One that could cause damage in your home in places where it could take you a good long time to even know you have a problem, such as inside your walls, attic, or floorboards.
How about your basement? Is it equipped with a sump pump? If so, spring is the time to test it by pouring a few buckets of water into the pit. The pump should turn on right away, discharge the water then shut off without any problems.
If you don’t have a sump pump and live in area prone to backyard flooding, now’s a great time to contact Messmer Mechanical for sound advice and professional installation. Remember: water in your basement is bad enough. What’s even worse is the structural damage it can cause along with potentially ruining valuable possessions and keepsakes.