How to avoid flood damage in your basement? You’ve likely heard that sump pumps can help prevent water damage in the basement. : Check your pump regularly, install non-return flap or ball-operated check valves and keep your house dry. Below are some tips to help you avoid flooding in your basement. Follow these tips to make your home safe and keep valuables safe!
Check the sump pump periodically.
One of the best ways to prevent flood damage Brunswick in your basement is to check your sump pump regularly. The pump should be clean and maintained, and it should be connected to a power source. Check the pump’s inlet opening at least once a month and after significant storms. If it fails, you may have a plugged-in sump pump.
When you check the sump pump, you should look for debris in the surrounding area and the pump itself. Ideally, it will last for at least a decade, but it’s better to check it more frequently if the water level is higher than it should be. You can also check the pump’s operation by testing it before expected storms. In addition, you should install a water alarm near the pump well. If water contacts the notice, it will sound like a siren. In addition to the pump, you should install a cover to prevent accidental injuries from spilled water and dead insects. Keeping a tight-fitting lid is also essential to prevent debris and radon gas from collecting.
A sump pump is an inexpensive investment that can protect your basement and belongings. It also protects your valuable items stored in the basement, like antiques, from damage. While flooding can be costly, the cleanup process can take years, so it’s essential to stop the flow of water to prevent damage to your valuable items. If you’re storing sentimental items, it’s also necessary to avoid flooding because it can damage your indoor air quality. Standing water and damp materials are perfect breeding grounds for mold and bacteria. Some of these molds are even difficult to remove.
Check foundation cracks
There are several signs that your basement might suffer from flooding. First, you might notice the smell of mold. You may also see cracks in the foundation walls or floors. If the foundation walls are damaged, mold will likely start growing. In such a case, you should call a professional service to help you repair the damage. After all, mold growth is a costly problem. However, it can be prevented if you know how to spot these signs.
There are a few signs that your foundation might be settling or pulling against your home are cracks. You may notice slopes in your floors and ceiling. Cracked tiles can indicate the foundation isn’t level with your house. If you notice these symptoms, you should have your foundation inspected. In many cases, you can find these cracks outside your home. If you see a corner crack, your foundation is too weak and may be at risk of settling.
Another warning sign is stair-stepped cracks or bulging walls. This means that water is penetrating the foundation. This means water can seep inside the walls and cause structural damage. In some cases, water seeping in as ice will cause even more damage. For example, water in a crack may have been forced into the basement when the soil temperature was 32F or lower. Freezing water expands by about 9% when cold, enlarging the existing cracks.
Install non-return flap or ball operated check valves
There are many reasons to install backwater valves on your property. Basements are susceptible to water backup from rains and other sources, including washing machines, shower trays, and hot water tanks. Installing a backwater valve will keep water from backing up into your basement and prevent sewage from backing up into your home. To prevent sewage from backing up into your basement, you can install a backwater valve or a backflow prevention drain grid.
Check valves are highly effective flood protection devices. These valves are fully automated and require no manual interaction. They prevent backflow by preventing backflow and maintaining a steady flow. Pulsating flows can cause backflow and batter movable parts, reducing efficiency and valve failure. To avoid flood damage to your basement, install non-return flap or ball-operated check valves in all water lines.
These valves allow water to exit your basement and sewer lines while preventing contaminated water from re-entering your basement. They contain a small disc that closes automatically when the pressure drops and reopens when it increases. The disc is typically made of transparent or elastomeric materials. If you have a plastic floor, consider a polymer disc valve instead. It is easier to replace and comes with a variety of advantages.
