Wet basements are a huge problem for thousands of homeowner. In addition to causing severe damage to floor coverings, personal possessions, appliances, and furnishings, flooded basements can lead to wood rot and structural damage. The presence of all that moisture attracts insects and promotes the growth of mold and mildew.
Ignoring a wet basement will only make the matter worse. Fortunately, you don’t have to live with a wet basement. There are several different options for solving any flooded basement problem.
The first thing to do is to ensure that your yard is draining properly. The ground around your home should be graded so that rain water and runoff flows away from your home. In many cases simply re-grading your property will solve of greatly reduce basement flooding issues.
Drain spouts that allow water to accumulate near the home are another common cause of wet basements. Re-position or extend drain spouts so that rain water is directed out into the yard and away from your foundation.
When the water table is too high or it is simply impossible to prevent water from accumulating around the foundation, you should talk to your plumber or sewer septic professional about installing a sump pump. Sump pumps are installed in a shallow well in the floor of your basement. The well is below floor level so water accumulates in the well before it reaches your basement.
A float switch in the well activates the sump pump and the water is safely pumped out and away from your home. A sump pump system must be properly designed and installed for effective operation. A good local plumber or sewer septic technician will be able to help you select the right sump pump for your home and handle the installation.
