Spring is the season where most basement issues see all of their action. Between melting snow and constant spring rain, basements are prone to start bringing in the excess amount of water. Besides cracks in the foundation, there are a few other things that may be leading to your basement water issues.
4 Checks For Water Damage Sources Other Than Your Basement
Here are a few other things to check to see if they are in proper order, before assuming the worst for your flooded basement:
- Check The Roof: With your basement being the lowest point in your home, the water had to come from somewhere. Look up at the higher points of your home, and see if you can find possibly entry points for the water to have come through. Your gutters should be hanging correctly, and free of dirt and debris. Gutters that are not in proper working condition will end up directing water to undesirable places. Flooded gutters can cause problems into other areas of your home, and is especially common when rain pools around the ground near your home. If the ground near your home slopes downward, this can also cause more pressure on the foundation with heavy rain, and expose any cracks that may be in the walls
- Sump Pumps: Most modern homes now contain sump pumps. This can be your best asset to combating water in your basement. But, even if you already have a sump pump, it is important to check to make sure it is working properly. Power outages and excessive rain are a bad combination for sump pumps, so it is important to see if your sump pump potentially has an extra pump. This second pump is designed to be a backup when the power goes out, and typically lasts for several days.
- Backflow Valves: When watercoating on a house fails, many experts agree that a backflow valve is the way to go. Check your valves to make sure that sewage buildup is not becoming a problem behind your house. While these drainage lines are not initially costly, poorly installed or improperly working valves can lead to a costly basement repair.
- Appliances: Pay attention to all of appliances that house or hold water. Items such as the washing machine, dishwater, refrigerator, ice maker, air-conditioner, and toilets should be inspected routinely. At the very least, checking these appliances to make sure they’re working efficiently, should be done annually.
Of course, when you’ve check all of these areas and still cant find a solution to your basement water issues, it’s time to call the experts. The professionals at Tom’s Basement Waterproofing can help you pin-point your basement flooding problems, and get you back to dryer days!