Basement Flood Prevention: A Simple Plan Of Action For Homeowners

Copyright (c) 2012 Floodsense

Basement flooding is a costly and frustrating problem that can occur almost any time. Many homeowners do not realize there are basic steps they can take for flood prevention.

Start in the basement

The sump pump serves as a first line of defense. The homeowner should inspect the sump pump and all its connections to make sure they are working properly. The pump must be strong enough to handle the surge of water that occurs during periods of heavy rain. Sometimes it is wise to upgrade to a more powerful model and pair it with a battery-powered backup pump. The homeowner should also check the location and condition of the discharge outlet. This opening must discharge at least 10 feet away from the house onto ground that slopes away from the foundation and be free of debris.

Cracks in the concrete of the floor or walls can allow a great deal of water to enter during periods of heavy rain. The homeowner should inspect the slab and the foundation. He or she must repair any damage with a high-quality waterproof compound.

Flood water often enters a house through the drains of the home in the sinks, bathtub or toilet. The homeowner should install a master shut-off valve on the sewer line to prevent backup of flood water or raw sewage.

Look outside the house

A homeowner can also take several preventative steps outside the home to reduce the risk of flooding. He or she should regularly inspect gutters for loose sections or gaps. He or she should also remove any leaves or sticks and check for debris periodically. Clogs and leaks allow water to fall too near the foundation. Downspouts must discharge at least 5 feet to 10 feet away from the house.

If water forms pools outside the home near the foundation, the homeowner should either re-grade the yard, or install a French drain system in problem areas to allow proper run off. A French drain consists of a shallow, gravel-filled trench dug at a slight angle away from the home.

The homeowner should inspect the basement windows. If the house has windows which are partially underground, there should be a water barrier such as a plastic window well cover over each well area. In place of covers, the homeowner should install drains at the bottom of each well. These drains should connect to the sump pump system. He or she can also replace standard windows with solid glass block windows to prevent water intrusion.

These flood prevention recommendations are not guaranteed to eliminate flooding or damage, but they can greatly reduce the risk.


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For 15 Years Kevin Williams has restored flood damaged properties ranging in size from domestic dwellings to commercial factories.In 2010 He set up Floodsense offering his expertise in Flood Prevention Techniques, Systems and Services.For free E-book and further info on Flood Barriers, and professional advice on Flood Prevention from a leading UK flood protection company visit http://www.floodsense.co.uk


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