Stay Dry! Basement Flood Prevention Tips

Basements can be used as storage space or finished to make a warm, beautiful, new living space in your home. One of the most expensive crises that a homeowner in the Worcester and Middlesex areas can experience is a flooded basement. While we may not get hurricanes here, water leaking through concrete, stone, block or tile basement walls can cause damage to structures and belongings. “This Old House” suggests some preventive measures will help keep your house dry from the bottom up. M.A. Restoration Inc. offers complete water damage repair in Worcester from professional drying with the latest equipment to completely rebuild the water damaged area.

Look High…

When clogged gutters overflow, water can pool around your foundation. Remove any leaves and debris left over from winter, then install leaf guards and downspout extenders to direct water 10 feet from the house. Inspect the roof annually for damage that could allow water into the home.

And low…

Make sure surrounding soil is pitched away from the house at a slope of at least 1/4 inch per foot so that water drains toward your yard, not your foundation. Simply add soil, making it smooth, until the grade is highest at the house’s perimeter. Water it well; it will settle and compress a little.

And wide…

Shade trees with aggressive roots, like silver maples, should be planted at least 20 feet from your house to protect your foundation. Smaller species, like white fir, require only 10 to 15 feet of clearance. If you can see that an existing tree will eventually be too close, plant the replacement tree now, in a better spot. Then in a year or two, remove the offending tree and let the little one have all the sun it needs.

And Inside!

Acute problems such as frozen pipes, clogged laundry outflows or cracked basement windows could allow a lot of water into your basement all at once. However, the most common cause of basement flooding is a leaky foundation caused by excessive rain, sewer backup, and changes in the landscape.

The urgent call!

If you discover standing water in your home, stay safe! Don’t risk serious injury if your basement floods. Avoid venturing down into the basement if possible. Standing water can contain harmful bacteria. If you must venture down into a flooded basement, wear waterproof rubber boots. Avoid touching or using electrical devices (except for a battery-powered flashlight) because this puts you at risk of electrical shock or electrocution. M.A. Restoration Inc. is a locally owned remodeling and water damage restoration company serving the greater Worcester County. Call MA Restoration for 24/7 emergency water damage help!!

Contact a professional water remediation team with a 24-hour service team such as MA Restoration to pump standing water out of your basement and help you deal with water-damaged items.