Powerful summer storms and heavy rains can wreak havoc on your home and yard. Be prepared. You can prevent water damage from ruining your basement and your summer. Here are some tips on how to protect your home for the summer storm season.
Sump pump. Check to see if your sump pump is working properly. Your sump pump should be pumping water through pipes that exit just above ground level. If the discharge pipes don't extend far enough from the foundation walls, the water exiting your home will go right back down into the drainage system. The persistent flow of water may cause basement or crawl space flooding and burn out your sump pump, leading to additional water problems.
Sewer and septic system. Take a good look at your sewer and septic system. If your sewer or septic pipes are clogged with dirt and debris, water may be forced into your basement or crawl space. If water overwhelms the drainage system, the pressure against the foundation walls or floor may result in water seepage that can compromise the structural integrity of your home.
Gutters and downspouts. Make sure your gutters and downspouts are clean and directed away from your house. Gutters and downspouts clogged with leaves and other debris cause water to overflow into the porous soil surrounding your home's foundation. The collected water may leak through cracks, joints, masonry and concrete.
Grading. Be sure that your yard slopes away from your home. If your yard was poorly graded or if soil erosion has changed the slope of your yard over time, consider re-grading before summer storm season. Negative grading allows water to run toward the house, which can cause foundation wall and footer seepage.
Soil quality. Consider the soil quality of your yard. If your yard stays wet for hours or days after a heavy rain, you may have poor quality soil. Depending on soil nutrient status, salinity and water-holding capacity, your yard may not be able to absorb or trap water. The excess water may build up around the foundation walls and under the footer, causing seepage. Upgrading the soil quality may help prevent basement or crawl space flooding.
Soil erosion. Look for signs of soil erosion, such as areas of soil depression or mulch build-up. After a high-intensity storm, soil erosion may direct water and yard waste to collect in window wells and basement stairwells. The resulting pressure may cause water to seep through wall cracks or the foundation's footer.
High or âfalseâ water table. Check the soil around your home's foundation throughout the summer. Seasonal moisture fluctuations and heavy precipitation can create a localized area of high groundwater that rises above your home's crawl space or basement floor. The resulting water pressure can cause basement or crawl space flooding.
Heavy runoff. Watch out for heavy runoff, which can occur when excess water can't be absorbed into the soil or trapped on the surface. Runoff often cuts paths into the soil and creates puddles and ponding in the yard. The trapped water may seep through foundation wall cracks or under the concrete footing, leading to water damage.
Summer storms can make a mess of your home. Be prepared. Before the next heavy rainfall, check your sump pumps, sewer system, gutters, downspouts and yard for potential problems. Fix anything that could cause water damage, because basement or crawl space flooding can lead to other problems like mold and mildew.
To find out how NV Waterproofing can help you prepare for summer storms and prevent water damage, visit nvwaterproofing.com or call 1-571-200-1986.
Disclaimer of Liability
The information in this blog is provided for general guidance only and does not constitute the provision of legal, engineering, architectural, professional or healthcare advice. The information provided herein should not be used as a substitute for consultation with professional advisers. Before making any decision or taking any action, you should consult a professional adviser who has been provided with all pertinent facts relevant to your particular situation. The information is provided âas is,â with no assurance or guarantee of completeness, accuracy or timeliness of the information, and without warranty of any kind, express or implied, including but not limited to warranties of performance, merchantability and fitness for a particular purpose.
