How to Best Prevent Basement Flooding? Essay

How to Best Prevent Basement Flooding

Basement flooding is unfortunately a common occurrence in various parts of the world. But the good news is that basement flooding may be prevented. 

Basement flooding issues are best analyzed by working your way down from the downspouts, and eavestroughs to the lot and foundation drainage, and then to the plumbing system, equally inside your home and the connection to the municipal sewer system. 

Following are some best ways to prevent basement flooding 

Downspouts and Eavestroughs 

Water pours out of the eavestroughs into downspouts. If the downspouts are dumping the water right close to your foundation, it drains to the weeping tile and can overload your home's drainage. 

Make sure downspouts size is no less than 6 ft. from your basement wall. Also, make sure the water does not drain toward your neighbor's basement walls. It should drain far from your house toward the back lane, street, or back yard. 

Clean debris from eavestroughs frequently. If they overflow even when clean, replace them with larger size downspouts eavestroughs. 

Lot Grading 

If the land around your house inclines toward the foundation, rainwater heads straight for the weeping tile around the basement and can overload the drainage system. The land around houses settles after some time, and then slopes in toward the foundation. If your lot inclines inward, you'll need to fill in and grade the lot so that, for minimum 1.8m out from around the foundation, the land inclines away from your house. Build up the ground around your house to make the water drain away from your basement walls in case of flooding.

Flood Pumping Devices 

If your home drainage system overloads, you may still be able to keep sewage and rain water from backing up by installing one or more floodproofing devices, for example, sump pumps or back flow valves. Every installation is useful and some devices may require plumbing permit. Check with your municipal office before you proceed with any installation. 

Additional Protection Measures 

There are also many additional flood prevention measures that are worth considering. 

Plumbing Fixture Maintenance 

Have a qualified plumber examine every floodproofing device and plumbing apparatuses regularly to guarantee proper operation. Check the instructions for operating for more safety guidelines and detailed information, or ask your plumber to clarify the details of your system to you. 

Backup Sump Pump 

Storms are mostly accompanied by power blackout. A battery controlled backup sump pump may be a sensible investment. Most pumps are made to fit in close to the main sump pump and also have a loud alarm that warns the main pump has failed so you can take care of its replacement or repair. There are also water controlled backup sump pumps available that run by flowing water through the pump impeller. 

Insurance 

Insurance that totally covers basement flooding damage is an essential method financial protection to homeowners. Most insurance policies include coverage for damage caused by sewer backup. Make sure your insurance policy includes sewer backup insurance.