How to Protect Your Basement from Flooding and Water Damage

10/29/2024 (Permalink)

This basement flooded after a recent storm & their sump pump failed.

Various natural disasters, including flooding from storm damage, can cause severe water damage to your basement. As one of the biggest threats to your home, SERVPRO® of Levittown, Bethpage, knows that natural disasters don't wait for business hours, so neither do we! With 24/7 emergency water restoration services, we are your local and reliable experts with the latest technology to extract and dry your basement from a flooding disaster. However, SERVPRO is determined to inform our community with preventative measures every homeowner should take to eliminate future basement flooding.

Why Do Basements Flood?

Basement flooding caused by natural and structural factors can wreak havoc on your home. There are various internal and external reasons why your basement is flooding, and identifying the cause is the first step towards a dry, moisture-free basement. Internal problems like foundation cracks, improper sealing, plumbing leaks, faulty sump pumps, and even door and window leaks can cause basement flooding. External problems outside your home that lead to basement flooding include clogged and failed gutter systems and a lack of drainage systems. While the causes and the cost of recovery can sound overwhelming, the proper measures can prevent water damage incidents.

Tips to Prevent Basement Flooding

Preventing basement flooding begins with properly maintaining your home's exterior drainage systems. Ensure your gutters and downspouts are clean and debris-free to allow rainwater to flow freely away from your home. Downspouts should extend at least three feet away from your foundation to prevent water from pooling around the base of your home. Excess water from heavy rainfall can find its way into your basement without proper drainage. It's essential to regularly check and maintain these systems, especially before the rainy seasons, to minimize the risk of basement flooding.

When eliminating interior factors that lead to basement flooding, it's important to start by installing a sump pump, which is a highly effective measure to prevent basement flooding. A sump pump collects and pumps out water that accumulates in a sump basin, typically located in the basement. It's crucial to ensure that your sump pump is in good working condition and test it periodically. Additionally, sealing cracks in your basement walls and floor can also prevent water from seeping through, further protecting your basement from potential flooding. By taking these preventive steps, you can safeguard your home and minimize the risk of costly water damage.

Contact SERVPRO for Expert Flood Restoration

With these preventative measures, we aim to prevent basement flooding in the Levittown and Bethpage communities. However, SERVPRO of Levittown, Bethpage, is your IICRC-certified flood restoration technician, ready to respond to emergencies 24/7. As a locally owned and operated business, SERVPRO of Levittown, Bethpage, is nearby and ready to respond to your flood or storm damage emergency. Call us at (516) 261-9600 to learn more about our restoration services today!