April showers bring flooded basements

4/25/2017 (Permalink)

Long Island flooded finished basement

Spring is almost here and the flowers are starting to bloom. Humid and warm weather is coming and you are about to break out your sandals and shorts. But along this warmer season comes lots of spring rain. Though this rain is highly beneficial for your garden and yard, it may not be a good thing for your basements.  April showers bring flooded basements and if your basement is vulnerable, you need some preventive tips. Water in the basement usually occurs in the case of heavy rainfall. With the tips given in this article, you can surely reduce the chances of basement flooded this season.

Check Cracks

Examine foundation and basement walls for any crack. Watermarks close to these cracks are usually the sign of current leaks and potential risks. You can apply concrete patches to repair the cracks or you can call SERVPRO of East Meadow / Westbury for leak detection and repair services.

Check sump pump

Check the basement sump pump. Make sure that it is releasing water appropriately and there is no debris inside. Debris can clog the pump. If any debris is found, remove it by pouring buckets of water into the sump pit. This helps to unblock the pump and makes it discharge water and shut itself off. If the pump is running on a continuous basis and not shutting off, there is some problem. Call our home emergency restoration services immediately as the pump may burn itself out and become defective if left as it is.

If the sump pump is used frequently, you can also install a battery backup unit that can be used in case of a power failure. 

Basement flood alarm

A range of battery operated and inexpensive flood alarms are available that can be placed in the basement close to the sump pump or in the areas that are susceptible to flooding, including the laundry room and places next to doorways, water heater etc. If there is water, the alarm will ring letting you act promptly. Protect your valuables by shifting them from the basement floor to elevated areas or shelves.

Check outside areas

Make sure that your roof gutters and downspouts are clean. Ensure that they are not clogged and able to channel water away from the home rapidly. Downspouts shout exit at least 6ft from the house. Inspect your yard drainage and the culverts and remove obstructions like leaves, debris to make sure easy and quick flow of runoff water. Check the flow of any street drains present in front of your building as all that rushing water can easily make its way into your home. 

Appliances in Basement

If you have placed some appliances like space heaters, washers or dryers in your basement, disconnect their power source in case of flood warnings. However, if these are submerged or level of water is higher, don’t go in basement and risk electrocution. In order to prevent interior accidental flooding, examine all appliances on a regular basis. If they are of over 10 years, it’s better to replace them. 

From time to time, pour gallons of water into the floor drains in your bathrooms, garages, patios and basements. If drainage is not occurring quickly, call the pros at Long Island's best restoration company - SERVPRO of East Meadow Westbury.  We are one of the leading providers of drainage, plumbing, water leakage detection and repair and emergency home restoration services. For more information and emergency guidance and help, call us right away.