5 Ways to Prevent Basement Flooding in Your Pennsylvania Home

Floods are a serious threat, bringing the risk of fatalities, property damage, toxic mold infestation, and massive financial losses. If you're a homeowner, one of the main points of vulnerability for home flooding is your basement. Because of the location of the basement under the ground, the area is prone to water leaks.

If you can prevent water entry into the basement, you'll protect your home against one of the biggest natural threats in the Pennsylvania region. Here are some ideas for ways to waterproof your basement.

1. Install a French Drain

If you have high water level issues on your property, a French drain is an effective solution. The drainage system comprises a perforated drain system laid in the ground. The covered pipes collect surface and groundwater and drain it away from the foundation walls.

2. Reshape the Landscape

If the ground around your home slopes towards your home, there's a risk of basement water entering your home. The groundwater pushes against the wall and can seep into the basement. Pavements or sidewalks on your outdoor area can dump water next to the foundation walls.

Exterior grading is one of the most effective ways to prevent water problems in the basement. The ground around the house should slope away from the walls. The reshaped landscape ensures no water stands next to the walls and prevents water leaks during heavy rains.

3. Invest in a Sump Pump

In areas with high levels of groundwater or a high risk of floods, a sump pump comes in handy. The automatic pump comes to life whenever water levels below the basement floor start to rise.

The pump system comprises a floor drain system that collects water below the walls and dumps it into a pit. In case the water levels rise, the system automatically pumps water out of the pit and into a drain pipe. The emergency pump keeps your basement dry and protects against basement moisture problems such as mold growth and high humidity levels.

4. Invest in Wall Waterproofing

Interior and exterior basement waterproofing techniques deal permanently with water problems in the basement. Basement waterproofing systems deal with the underlying cause of water leaks to prevent future problems. The methods include the use of silicate-based concrete sealers for wall cracks, concrete wall coats, and plastic sheets and panels.

5. Work on the Gutters

Gutters play a crucial role to protect your home against water damage. The gutter system collects all the roof water, which flows down the downspout and away from the house. If the gutter system suffers damage your home is at risk of water leaks through the walls.

Clogged gutters, for instance, don't drain water efficiently. The overflow moves down the walls and stands next to the foundation wall. If there are cracks or gaps on the walls, the surface water seeps through and causes basement moisture problems.

The downspout, which is part of the roof drainage, can contribute to basement water issues. If the pipe extension isn't long enough, most of the roof water ends up next to the house. The water next to the walls can build up and compromise the foundation walls. To prevent such problems, make sure you clean the gutters regularly and check the construction of the downspout to ensure efficient drainage.

To protect your home against the threat of floods, take action. The techniques discussed here are a good start to waterproof your basement and protect your family and property.

If you're in Central and Eastern Pennsylvania, Central Penn Waterproofing can help with your basement waterproofing needs. For effective basement waterproofing solutions, contact us today.