Can you imagine coming home after work to find your basement has flooded? This is the nightmare faced by countless people every single year. However, it is in your power to greatly reduce the chances of a flooded basement. Below, our Boca Raton plumbing experts provide some helpful tips that will keep your basement dry throughout the entirety of the year.
Tip #1: Make Sure Your Sump Pump is Functional
If you have not yet installed a sump pump in your home, the time to do so is now. A sump pump will move water away from your basement as well as the rest of your home. A fully functional sump pump really will keep your basement dry even when the skies open up. If you have never bought, used or installed a sump pump, do not hesitate to ask the experts for assistance. The pump should be strategically placed in the lowest portion of the basement. In some cases, sump pumps are positioned in special sump pump pits. The water flows directly into such a pit through a drain or by way of water migration. Once the water hits a certain height, the sump pump motor is activated to pump the water away from your property.
There are two types of sump pumps: submersible and pedestal. The submersible pump is designed with a motor within the interior of the sump at the point where it is sealed. This model is optimal for homes in which there are children as it is out of reach, making it that much safer than the pedestal version. The pedestal model is built with a motor positioned above the sump for optimal visibility. This type of sump pump is that much easier to access when the time comes for its servicing. The only downside to the pedestal model is it has a comparably short lifespan.
Tip #2: Seal Those Cracks
There is a good chance your home has at least a few cracks in the floors, walls, windows, foundation, etc. These cracks create an avenue for water to flow through. The water that moves through these cracks may end up in the basement. Seal every single crack in your home and you will greatly reduce the odds of a flooded basement.
Tip #3: Add Catch Basins and Plants to Your Property in Boca Raton
You can add to the green space around the perimeter of your property with the addition of shrubs and native plants. This greenery looks nice yet also serves the purpose of helping to manage water. If your home does not currently have catch basins, it is in your interest to install them. Just be sure to clear the catch basins of all debris. Otherwise, the catch basins will cause water to pool amidst a heavy downpour due to clogging.
Tip #4: Mind the Downspouts
Take a close look at your downspouts now and then. If you spot any debris in the downspouts, clear it away. Once the downspouts are clear, rainwater will be able to move through your gutters without impediment. Fail to maintain and clean your downspouts and eavestroughs and it is only a matter of time until water moves down into your basement.
Tip #5: Do not Flush Anything but Toilet Paper
Flushing the wrong item down the toilet will cause a sewer drain clog that results in basement flooding. As an example, it is a mistake to flush napkins, kleenex, paper towels, and Q-tips. If you have little ones in the house, make sure they understand it is not acceptable to flush such items.
Tip #6: Find the Right Boca Raton Plumber
Above all, the most important thing you can do to prevent a basement flood is to find the best Boca Raton plumber. Our Boca Raton plumbing team is here to help prevent plumbing problems that lead to basement flooding. However, if a basement flood occurs, we can still help address the plumbing problem and ultimately mitigate the damage. Aside from fixing your plumbing issue, our experienced Boca Raton plumbing specialists will also help you pinpoint the optimal sump pump or ejector pump that will keep your property as dry as possible.
Tip #7: Basement Sealing
The basement must be properly sealed to prevent flooding. Improper sealing or the lack of sealing heightens the odds of a nasty flood. Ideally, the floors and walls of the basement will be fully sealed by a proven sealing expert to stop water from moving on through and ruining your property.
Tip #8: The Basement Foundation Matters a Great Deal
Most people are shocked to learn a faulty basement foundation is the top cause of flooded basements. If rain is abundant, a sewer backup, or insufficient drainage in your yard, there is a good chance the foundation will end up leaking. Have a fully warrantied waterproofing system installed at your property and you won’t have to worry about your basement being compromised by water.
Erica's Plumbing, Air Conditioning & Restoration is a Call Away
If you are even slightly suspicious your home plumbing system might need maintenance or repair, do the smart thing by asking for assistance from our Boca Raton plumbing team. We will tend to your plumbing challenges in a timely and thorough manner to keep your basement and the rest of your property completely dry. Reach out to us at (561) 782-2779 to find out more about how our Boca Raton plumbing crew can help.
