If you are a homeowner and your home has a basement, then congratulations, you just joined the 98% of all homeowners who will have to deal with basement flooding at some point in their tenure as homeowners. Making matters worse, water damage in basements often goes unnoticed for long periods, since basements are primarily used for storage and may be left unattended for days or even weeks at a time, plenty of opportunity for water to come in unnoticed and become a major problem.
Basements can flood for many reasons, in fact, just about any reason. The most common culprits are backed up drains, cracks in the foundational walls, broken window seals allowing moisture to enter, failed sump pump or sump pit setups….even exterior issues such as clogged gutters or downspouts, or improper landscape slope can send water flowing in all the wrong directions.
While some companies do offer basement waterproofing, the fact is that nothing will make a basement completely impervious to water. You can try painting your basement with paints that have sealant in them, but do not assume that this is anywhere near complete protection from the elements.
The single best way to combat water in your basement is to stop it before it begins. Become proactive in the inspection of your basement for potential problems, and repair them before they have the opportunity to become big ones. If you want to know what water can do given enough time, look at the Grand Canyon. It’s the same way for your basement; even the smallest of leaks can grow and cause major damage if overlooked long enough.
Keep a record of water patterns in your basement. When I was a kid, we had a basement that flooded regularly. If you do, keep track of where the water is located, and avoid storing items in that area. Also be sure to check the incline of your flooring….basement floors are often uneven, and an incline is designed to function with a drainage setup. If you have one, make sure it is unclogged and free of obstructions. Keep in mind that if a drain backs up, anything near it is going to be damaged. Store items away and “uplevel” from the location of the drain.
Getting things off the floor is another good idea for preventing damage from basement water. Utilizing shelving or pallets can successfully elevate your belongings and protect them from excess water. Be sure you determine how high the water can get…depth of any significance will leave a watermark on the walls. If you keep appliances such as a washer/dryer or refrigerator in your basement, consider placing them on pallets to avoid the bottoms rusting out in the event of a flood.
If you do not have a sump pump, have one installed now. A sump pump is basically a device in the floor of your basement which filters out excess water before it can have a chance to back up and become a problem. Proper maintenance is advised as sump pumps may become clogged and thus less effective. Sump pumps are electrically powered which means they will cease to function in the event of an outage.
Other items in the basement may be stored in plastic tubs rather than boxes. Boxes soak right through, damaging whatever is within. They also can provide a growing area for mold. Plastic tubs are more expensive, but they are waterproof if properly sealed, and a tub will last longer and be much more durable than your average cardboard box.
Remember that any time you have dampness and moisture, you are going to end up with mold. Mold is generally harmless in small amounts (we’ve all had to clean it from our tubs and showers occasionally), but if left untreated, it can become a health and property hazard. When cleaning mold remember that it is not enough to simply remove the growth. You have to create an environment that does not encourage the mold to return. Proper drying and ventilation is the key to solving your mold problems. Adding a dehumidifier to your basement will prove invaluable in dealing with this problem.
In the event of heavy rains, keep a sharp eye on your basement. Small cases of flooding can and should be promptly dealt with using a shop-vac unit to keep levels under a manageable control. If items do get wet, remove them from the box and dry them out as quickly as possible. Discard the damaged cardboard box.
One final notice: if your basement is flooding or has flooded, shut off all electricity to the basement. Shut it off even if the power has been knocked out. Water and electricity do not mix. You do not want to be mucking around in six inches of water when the power decides to suddenly come surging back on.
In the event of major flooding to your basement, say several feet, you will need to utilize a gas powered submersible pump unit to successfully remove it. Be careful not to pump the water out too fast, as that can result in sudden pressure changes that can weaken the walls, making them prone to collapse. Pump the water out slowly but steadily, at a rate of about 1/3 a day.
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