Why does my basement keep flooding when it rains?
Living in Wisconsin means we deal with our fair share of rain and snow. While we’re lucky to live in an area where we experience all four of the beautiful seasons, all that precipitation doesn’t come without some problems. Heavy rains, snow, and ice that melts at a fast pace when the temperatures warm up in the spring can cause serious problems for many Fox Cities homeowners. We’ve already dealt with plenty of flooding and water damage this year in the Fox Valley and Green Bay. When the ground is saturated and there’s no place for the excess water to go, it goes right into your basement and sump pumps can’t keep up. While there’s no fool-proof solution, there are some things homeowners can do to help protect themselves and their homes from flooding and water damage. Check out our tips for Wisconsin homeowners below.
How to Prevent Basement Flooding
1. Clean and maintain your gutters and downspouts.
Cleaning the gutters each spring and fall is an essential part of owning a home. Keep the gutters clear of ice buildup and debris to keep the water flowing freely. You’ll also want to position your downspouts away from the foundation to prevent water from rains and melting ice and snow from pooling up against your house.
2. Install window well covers.
If you have below-grade basement windows, you should consider installing window well covers. These covers will keep water, snow, and debris from collecting in the window well and causing flooding or water damage, while still allowing light to pass through. As an added bonus, they also keep out pests and help prevent injury from falls.
Cracks around your foundation or in the floors and walls of your basement are the perfect place for water to sneak in and cause damage. It’s good to do a thorough check in and around your basement a few times a year to catch any major issues early on.
3. Check the exterior foundation, walls, and floors.
Cracks around your foundation or in the floors and walls of your basement are the perfect place for water to sneak in and cause damage. It’s good to do a thorough check in and around your basement a few times a year to catch any major issues early on.
4. Install a sump pump.
If you don’t already have a sump pump, you’ll want one here in Wisconsin. An automatic sump pump will pump the water away from your house, helping to keep the basement or crawlspace dry. It’s a great “first line” of defense against flooding during the wet spring and fall months here in the Fox Cities area. Keep in mind that it’s important to have the correct size of pump to handle the volume of water coming into your sump crock.
5. Install a backup sump pump.
Even the best sump pumps on the market can fail, especially if we’re dealing with a particularly large amount of snow or rain. That’s where a secondary system or a battery backup system comes in handy. It can provide several extra hours of protection if the power goes out or there’s a significant amount of water.
6. Maintain your sump pump.
If you already have a sump pump installed, you’ve got to keep it maintained to make sure it’s able to do its job. Keep the area in and around the sump pump clean, check the cord and make sure it’s connected to power, and follow all instructions in the owner’s manual. Think ahead and check it regularly during the times you’ll need it most, such as during the spring or a major storm. If you’re unsure or something doesn’t seem to be quite right, it’s better to call a plumbing expert ahead of time rather than after there are a few inches of water in your basement.
What should I do if my basement floods?
- Contact your plumber, electrician, and insurance agent ASAP.
- Stay out of the basement if possible. The standing water can contain harmful bacteria and you could potentially step on something or slip and injure yourself.
- If you do venture down into the basement, wear waterproof boots for protection.
- Keep away from electrical cords and wires. We all know water and electricity don’t mix, so steer clear.
- Keep kids and pets out until the area has been inspected, cleaned, and dried.
Need help? We’re here for you.
If you’re not sure if you have the right sump pump or if it’s up to par, we can help. We offer sump pump inspections, as well as installations of primary, secondary, and backup systems from top brands like Barnes, Goulds Pumps, Little Giant Pump Company, and more.
If your basement floods, we’ve got your back there too with experienced plumbing experts on call 24/7!
Request an estimate or give us a call.