One of the most devastating issues a homeowner can face is coming home to a flooded basement. Your basement serves an important purpose for storing valuable items and major home appliances which is why keeping the area protected is vital. Basements can flood because of extreme weather, slow leaks, and even burst pipes. So, how can you prevent basement flooding from happening? Here are 3 ways to protect your basement from flooding:
1. Install a Sump Pump
Different types of sump pumps can help and protect your home in different ways during a flood. Here’s the best use of each type of sump pump.
- Electric Sump Pump: An electrical sump pump is what you typically see as your primary source for dealing with flooding damage. Although sump pumps are used to clean up water in your basement rather than preventing the flooding, sump pumps are a great source for restoring your home. However, if your basement floods during a storm and your electricity goes out, your sump pump will not be able to work which is why we recommend buying a backup battery-operated sump pump.
- Battery Operated Sump Pump: This sump pump works by plugging the unit into a wall outlet while the electricity in your home is on, in order to keep the battery charged. When the electricity goes out, your sump pump’s battery kicks in and runs the pump. On average, the battery will last anywhere from 7 to 10 hours. We suggest replacing the battery every two years to maximize efficiency. Depending on the damage of the flood you may need the third option of sump pumps – water-powered sump pumps.
- Water-Powered Sump Pump: Water-powered sump pumps are attached to city water lines. Water pressure enters from the city water lines into the tubes to fill and pressurize a float system attached to create a siphon. The siphon will suck the water from your basement up and out of the tube. This type of sump pump is powered by your city water supply and will always run as long as the water supply is turned on.
2. Know the Location of Your Main Shut Off Valve
Every homeowner should know where the main shut-off valve is in case of an emergency. If you catch a plumbing leak in the act, turning off your water main can prevent your basement from flooding and your water bills from skyrocketing. Since you have to be aware of a leak happening, we suggest staying vigilant on your plumbing systems, monitoring your water bill to catch any slow leaks, or installing a water leak detection device to tell you when if your plumbing system is leaking.
3. Seal Your Basement
Your foundation needs to stay strong to have efficient “waterproofing.” You can achieve this by sealing holes, cracks, and openings in your basement’s foundations and windows with waterproof sealant. It is best to call a professional to have your basement sealed correctly.
Take preventative measures on your basement from flooding by following these tips and tricks. Our plumbers at Aloha Plumbing, Sewers, Drains are just a phone call away If you want to leave the flooding protection service to the professionals.