Basement flooding isn’t fun to deal with at any time of year, but it is especially unpleasant in the winter. The weather is already cold, and you’re dealing with snow and ice, so the last thing you want is a flood in your basement. If you’ve ever experienced basement flooding in MA, you know it is a serious problem, and you want to prevent it from happening again. Our team at Global Basement Waterproofing is here to help you do just that.
Here are a few things you should do in your home to prevent basement flooding in MA this winter.
Clean your gutters.
Wait a second, gutters are attached to your roof. What do they have to do with your basement? Quite a bit, as a matter of fact. Gutters divert and drain water away from your foundation, which is the first step to preventing basement floods. If your gutters are clogged, water will splash down around your foundation rather than drain away to a safe distance. By simply keeping your gutters clean, you will significantly reduce your risk of flooding in your basement. Extending your downspouts can also help divert water even further from your house.
Seal cracks and gaps.
Carefully inspect your basement walls and foundation for cracks and gaps. When water seeps into those cracks and then freezes, it expands, making the cracks bigger. If you don’t have time to schedule professional foundation repairs before the winter, fill the cracks with waterproof sealant. But don’t just seal the cracks and forget about them. Check them periodically until you can have them fully repaired in the spring or summer.
Install a sump pump.
A sump pump is one of the most effective ways to remove water from your basement. A sump pump automatically removes excess water that accumulates in the basement. As long as the sump pump is in good working condition, you won’t have to worry about a basement flood. You should still keep an eye on the water level, though. If the water becomes too high for the sump pump to handle, you’ll have to help it out. For added peace of mind, install a battery backup so the sump pump keeps running even if the power goes out.
